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Foreword xi
Index 109
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About the Editor
Michael Moore, a former Editor of the IMechE Journal of Power and Energy, was employed
for many years in the Research Division of the Central Electricity Generation Board. As Head
of Engineering Science Division and Programme Manager for Turbine Plant Research, he
gained wide experience of power station plant. In 1989, he became Commercial Development
Manager in National Power before retiring to become an independent consultant. Michael
Moore is the author of 25 papers and editor of two books on turbine and condenser plan
design.
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Foreword
Since the introduction of electricity supply systems and distribution by a grid network the
economies of scale have been recognized. Generating plant have become progressively larger
culminating in unit outputs of 1300 MW from nuclear and even some fossil-fuelled plant. The
relatively recent availability of natural gas at economic prices has led to the development of
extremely large gas turbines in combined cycle generating at thermal efficiencies of up to 60
per cent. It is therefore surprising that a niche market has appeared for micro-turbine
generators (MTGs) with output power of 20-500 kW.
Their appearance on the generation scene has been made possible by the development of their
component parts. Tiny radial compressor and turbines are notoriously inefficient and prone to
excessive tip leakage. Modern precision manufacturing techniques and design methods using
computational fluid mechanics (CFD) has substantially improved their performance. High-
speed permanent magnet alternators and bearing systems have made possible the direct drive
arrangements, which remove the cost and complexity of gearboxes. Lastly, but most
importantly, modern, solid-state, power electronics has enabled the potentially unsteady kHz
output to be converted to a highly stable voltage at grid frequency.
Disadvantages remain. Even with exhaust gas heat recuperators, these small units achieve
only some 30 per cent thermal efficiency. Turbine entry temperatures, the key to gas turbine
efficiency, have limited development potential due to the difficulties of cooling such tiny
components. With this relatively high fuel consumption how can these devices penetrate the
market?
While the introduction of MTGs is in its early stages, their relative simplicity makes them
suitable for mass production with correspondingly low first costs. Where electricity is in short
supply, and grid strengthening is expensive and delayed, the advantage of such units as
distributed generation has been recognized. MTGs obviously have a role on remote oil rigs
where fuel is available and no grid connection is feasible. Combined heat and power (CHP)
projects are also potential applications and, again more recently, back-up power for computer,
internet, and IT installations benefit from the high quality supply from the power conditioning
units.
Their competitors are reciprocating gas engines and generators and the fuel cell. The former,
it is claimed, require more maintenance, and the latter is more complex and may be less
reliable. Looking ahead, the combination of MTGs and fuel cells could raise overall
generating efficiency to 60 per cent or higher.
The emergence of MTG technology prompted the IMechE to hold a Seminar in London,
December 2000, to introduce the concept. Since then the papers from the seminar have been
up-dated and are reproduced in this volume. They cover the field from the general
arrangement of components, the main design problems, the market envisaged, operating
experience to date, the fluid mechanics of small turbines, and the thermodynamic cycles for
their future application. I hope you find the volume a useful introduction to the subject.
M J Moore
Editor
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1
An Introduction to Micro-turbine
Generators
A Bullin
Abstract
This Chapter identifies the main elements of a micro-turbine generator and the key enabling
technology. The elements include the micro-turbine engine, turbo alternator, recuperator,
power conditioner, and gas boost compressor. Features, advantages, and benefits of each
element, as preferred by Bowman Power Systems Limited, are described and alternative
solutions are discussed. The features and benefits of a micro-turbine cogeneration system are
presented and described.
1.1 Introduction
The following is a brief introduction to micro-turbine technology.
Micro-turbine generators (MTGs) are based on five key areas of technology: micro-turbine
engines running on liquid or gas fuel; turbo alternators to produce electrical power;
recuperators (heat exchangers) to achieve high engine efficiency; power conditioners to
convert the power to meet customer needs; and gas boost compressors to provide natural gas
fuel at an appropriate pressure.
There are various approaches to these areas of technology, but this Chapter concentrates on
the Bowman solution to the design challenges, although alternative solutions are mentioned
and discussed.
Development of micro-turbine and associated enabling technology has been market led; the
driving force being the customer need for competitively priced distributed power solutions
and the ease of installation and use of the equipment.
2 Micro-turbine Generators
• samarian cobalt, permanent magnet rotor integrated into the micro-turbine (mono rotor
design);
• carbon-fibre containment sleeve;
• very high efficiency (97.5 per cent).
The primary power range for this turbo alternator technology is 25-500 kW. However, for
certain applications it is expected to be scaleable down to a few kW and possibly up to a few
MW.
Initial systems released to the market place cover the range 25-100 kW, with manufacturers
planning systems up to 500 kW for later development.
1.1.3 Recuperators
Durable heat exchangers of high effectivity and low cost are needed to increase the efficiency
of gas turbines to the levels needed to compete with reciprocating engine-based power
generation systems. The function of these heat exchangers is to extract heat from the gas
turbine exhaust gases in order to preheat the air used in the combustion process, and thereby
reduce the amount of fuel used to reach operating temperature.
The Bowman recuperator is a primary surface type, manufactured from stainless steel for long
life. With an effectivity of about 90 per cent, the fuel consumption of the micro-turbine
engine is approximately halved, doubling the MTG efficiency from 15 per cent to about 30
per cent.
The power conditioner provides the functionality to allow the MTG to operate in parallel with
the utility supply in various modes, or as a stand-alone system. Integrated engine control and
4 Micro-turbine Generators
management capability, together with remote control and monitoring, is either a further
feature of this module or is provided by means of separate modules.
Suitable technology is being developed in association with experienced air and refrigeration
compressor manufacturing companies and commercially acceptable units are available from
two suppliers subject to completion of certification. It is thought that more suppliers will offer
product as the MTG industry need grows.
A bearing system is required to support the high-speed rotating shaft; the bearing system also
has to oppose the axial forces generated by the aerodynamic load.
Any contacting/rolling element bearing will be life limited due to the contact forces the
bearing is exposed to; for a system with an installed life of circa five years between major
engine overhauls, contacting bearings should be avoided if possible.
There has been experimentation with gas turbines in the power ranges of 25-400 kW for
around 50 years. The earlier developers of engines in these power ranges include Rover,
Austin, Ford, GM, and Chrysler, all being automotive biased. These engines all used
reduction gearboxes and could not meet the efficiencies and manufacturing costs achieved by
reciprocating engines at the time, where a large component of the cost was the reduction
gearbox.
Although this type of technology has excelled in auxiliary power unit (APU) applications in
the aerospace industry, the production volumes have never been high. Typically, total
production numbers for aircraft APU's will be less than 10 000 units over 10 years, i.e. circa
1000 units per year. These engines are typically life limited to circa 10 000 hours, which is
not suitable for cogeneration and prime power application requirements and they are
expensive due to the aerospace quality production systems and accessories used, and their low
production volumes.
The enabling technologies for micro-turbine systems has matured over recent years, becoming
more accessible and cost competitive. These include the electronics for power conditioning,
high-speed alternator, analysis and design of high-efficiency radial turbomachinery, and low-
cost production techniques of radial turbo machinery components.
The primary objectives of the initial MTG design are that the engine should be low cost,
durable, and of reasonable efficiency. There is little difference in the materials selected and
the manufacturing processes for the manufactured engine components used by the major
micro-turbine engine suppliers. One of the main differences in the alternative design concepts
is in the type of bearing system used in the machines.
It is widely accepted that the Capstone Turbine Company air bearing technology has
significant technical advantages, such as lower bearing losses than with oil lubrication and the
elimination of the oil system components. It is fair to say that in some quarters this is
considered to be current state of the art. However, there are successful alternative designs that
make use of a variety of oil-lubricated bearings to support the rotating element.
Bowman experience is that the use of an inboard, oil-lubricated, tilting pad bearing provides
long and trouble free life, while the alternatively used oil-lubricated plain journal bearing at
this location suffers high losses, and rolling element bearings will provide insufficient life.
The second generation engines will possibly use active magnetic bearings, which offer
advantages over air bearings in that the axial clearance of the compressor can be actively
controlled during operation to maximize the engine efficiency, and the bearing control system
can be used for real-time condition monitoring.
A major benefit of micro-turbines is the low emissions (NOX, CO) compared with
conventional reciprocating engines. The combustor design is critical to achieve low
emissions. The best emission values achieved by any micro-turbine manufacturer to date are
less than 10 ppm NOX, on gaseous fuels. No company is currently claiming better than 25
ppm NOX on liquid fuels.
On the manufacturing side, particularly in the areas of core assembly and winding, magnet
provision and bonding, and sleeve construction and pre-stressing, there are a small number of
capable suppliers with the necessary capability and expertise to provide components and sub-
assemblies to the quality required. Several of these have come from the aerospace industry.
In terms of specific output (power or torque per unit volume or per unit mass) and efficiency,
the high-speed generator is far in advance of the conventional synchronous machine of similar
power output. Designs are currently being manufactured and supplied in quantity, at powers
from 40 to 165 kW, with speeds ranging from 105 000 r/min to 55 000 r/min. Confidence in
the technology is sufficiently high that machines have been designed at 300 kW, 500 kW, and
at more than 1 MW.
The values of power density and efficiency achieved in high-speed alternators are now both
sufficiently high that there is really little pressure - and also, it must be said, little scope - for
further improvement. The electro-magnetically active parts of an alternator providing
165 kW, for example, corresponding very roughly to the average power demand of some
35 domestic houses, pack into an overall length of about 270 mm and a diameter of about
120 mm, and produce little more waste heat (as loss power) than a two-bar electric fire.
Furthermore, because the machine is so small, there are typically no uncontrollable problems
due to resonant vibrations of the complete shaft system within the rated speed range;
centrifugal force is not so high as to prevent the rotor being held safely together by a
containing sleeve; and bearings are not made excessively large (and expensive) by an unduly
heavy supported rotor mass.
Figure 1.2 illustrates a 50 kW high-speed alternator rotor mounted with the gas turbine
compressor and turbine wheels and in the foreground an 110 kW high-speed alternator rotor.
(Length of this rotor is about 250 mm.)
It is known that as power rating increases, the optimum design speed for the
turbine/compressor necessarily reduces - principal constraints being the internal mechanical
stress due to centrifugal force and system dynamic considerations. Very similar effects apply
in the drum-type PM machine, and all design experience has shown that there is a good match
between the optimum speed of turbomachinery and alternator, which therefore mount
naturally together on a common shaft. This is true, in particular for the single-shaft
arrangement, in which the power turbine, and therefore alternator, rotate at the full speed of
that shaft. It follows that the alternator is also easily designed for the alternative, dual-shaft, or
free power turbine arrangement, in which the power turbine runs at an independent speed,
lower than that of the main turbine shaft.
1.2.2.2.2 PM disc-type
This alternative topology has it's champions and comprises a multiplicity of interleaved
stator-rotor discs, with axial gaps. The Bowman view is that the disc approach is limited in
speed and sub-optimal in other performance parameters. The disc-type alternator finds
practical application in combination with a free power turbine, as described above, rather than
in higher speed, and cheaper, single-shaft arrangements. Interleaving discs are awkward for
assembly/disassembly, and the structure is not cheap to manufacture. Magnet surfaces are
necessarily exposed or thinly covered, with risk of corrosion, disintegration, and dispersal of
this brittle material within the machine over time, whereas in the drum structure the magnets
are completely and tightly enclosed.
Alternative designs using inconel and titanium sleeves are available, and are used by other
manufacturers.
8 Micro-turbine Generators
Dynamics
To enable successful designs to be completed in a timely and cost-effective manner, it is
essential that capabilities for computer-modelling, mechanical, stress distribution and
dynamic vibration/resonance/unbalance effects are available. Dynamic studies of the
complete turbine/compressor/alternator assembly, and accurate modelling of bearing and
blade contributions to stiffness and damping, form an important component of necessary
technical expertise.
Design software
Over the years, Bowman has brought together its accumulated expertise in PM alternator and
motor design, and has codified this in a proprietary, advanced-software design package. This
is a highly supportive application, which guides the user in the process of entering raw data,
preventing for example the insertion of incompatible groups of dimensions; defines the
precise meaning and units of each displayed item; then draws a cross-section of the machine
and computes a large field of electrical, mechanical, and thermal performance parameters.
Alternative materials may be selected for the laminated core, retaining sleeve, conductor,
coolants, etc.
The work of developing this software has been substantial, and was undertaken because no
available software could be found that offered either sufficient accuracy or versatility.
The software has not only greatly accelerated the design process, but because so many cases
can be readily studied, it enables far more detailed exploration of possibilities and the
development of greater intuitive appreciation of parameter sensitivities in design.
1.2.3 Recuperators
Durable heat exchangers of high effectivity and low cost are needed to increase the efficiency
of gas turbines to the levels needed to compete with reciprocating engine-based power
generation systems. Their function is to extract heat from the gas-turbine exhaust gases in
order to preheat the air used in the combustion process and thereby reduce the amount of fuel
used to reach operating temperature.
hi the PSR design the plates forming the air and gas paths are not bonded (brazed) together.
They are welded around the edge, but are clamped together thus allowing movement due to
thermal expansion without the high stresses being transmitted to the joints as in the brazed
structure. This is considered to give potentially higher reliability and durability due to the
lower potential for thermal stress failure and consequential leakage. (Refer to Fig. 1.4.)
A further difference is in the use of annular or box arrangements to integrate the recuperator
to the gas turbine engine.
• 'Annular' is a concentric recuperator that wraps around the engine and generally has all of
the interconnection pipe work as part of the casing.
• 'Box' is a cuboid shape that sits outside the engine envelope and requires interface
connection pipework.
There are pros and cons for both types of technology as detailed below.
Bowman has considered all of the above interface issues at the recuperator design stage, and a
cuboid recuperator, close coupled to the engine, is currently their preferred approach. An
example of a cuboid recuperator close coupled to the engine is shown in Fig. 1.5.
The system meets domestic conducted emission levels defined in EN 50081-1 (1) (the most
stringent limit defined in this standard). Output voltage and frequency are software adjustable
between 380—480 volts AC and 50-60 Hz, allowing the system to be easily configured for
operation in any country. The system can be selected to operate as a stand-alone power source
(island mode) and in parallel with a site utility supply (utility mode). Emergency power and
black start functions are also possible.
Unique control algorithms and active filtering techniques are utilized, which allows the
system to maintain voltage distortion levels under three per cent even with severe non-linear
loads (crest factor of three). This electrical waveform quality exceeds 'top of the range'
uninterruptible power system (UPS) specifications, and is superior to the utility quality at
many sites which often exceed five per cent total harmonic distortion (THD). The control
system optimizes the capability of the power conditioning electronics and achieves a robust
and tolerant supply, which surpasses the performance available from many UPS systems.
An intelligent fault-clearing feature permits the supply of sufficient, short duration, overload
current to operate appropriately sized circuit breakers. This feature prevents interruption to the
remaining site load in the event of localized load faults.
Other real-time intelligent algorithms are used to cope with a variety of overload conditions
commonly experienced in island mode. These include de-offset control, and current limiting,
which optimize transformer energization and motor start capability.
Utility mode protection includes over and under voltage, over and under frequency, incorrect
phasing, and loss of supply. In this mode, the utilities network is protected from a reverse
power situation if a fault occurs on their network.
The output waveform is maintained within the limits defined by the computer and business
equipment manufacturers (CBEMA) curve during 100 per cent load application or rejection.
12 Micro-turbine Generators
» High efficiency
* IGBT technology
* Solid state high reliability
» Air cooled
» Programmable voltage/current/
frequency
* Voltage (L-L rms.) 400-480, 3 phase,
50-60 Hz
* Integrated gas turbine start facility
The solid-state power converter consists of rectification, power boost, and inverter stages.
Efficient power conversion and effective thermal management allow full power operation
over a wide temperature range.
Bowman has developed and patented an innovative cooling technique that achieves very
effective thermal transfer at low cost.
The power electronic assembly synthesises the high quality output waveform using a pulse
width modulating (PWM) switching technique. The power filter efficiently removes
modulation frequency components from the output waveform. Advanced materials are used
for the filter elements in order to minimize power loss and permit operation with severe
electrical loads.
The design is fully digital so it has the flexibility to be adapted for a range of engine types and
sizes. Each type of engine has its own fuel system, starting characteristics, running speed, etc.,
and all these variations are accommodated within the same controller.
Digital control also gives precise and repeatable control of engine speed and load transients.
Where appropriate the engine controller can also interact with other parts of the generator
control system, for example, by asking for the power output to be reduced if the engine is
running near its maximum permitted temperature.
All the engine systems are monitored to verify good health and correct operation. Critical
systems (oil pressure and engine speed) also have additional, software independent, backup
monitoring. This data may be accessed both locally and remotely, and is used extensively by
the technical and support teams, and is also available to the customer. Special software tools
have been developed in-house to assist with the development and proving of engines, starting
algorithms and control algorithms.
• constant exhaust gas temperature (EGT) running for optimum efficiency and emissions;
• variable speed operation to optimize efficiency and emissions at part load;
• bypass valve control for variable heat output;
• gas safety monitor.
14 Micro-turbine Generators
The efficiency of the GBC impacts the MTG's overall efficiency. An increasing GBC power
draw lowers the turbo generator efficiency. The MTG's efficiency drops sharply when the
GBC efficiency fails below 0.20, therefore, to enable it to efficiently generate electricity at, or
about, the target of 30 per cent the GBC system efficiency must remain well above 0.20.
From calculations and test verification, it has been determined that about 2.5 per cent of the
power output of a 50 kW MTG is used to compress the fuel gas. This does not take into
account the motor or coupling efficiency. The electrical-to-mechanical efficiency of a 5 hp
motor is about 0.80 and when this is taken into account, the power requirement of the
compressor system is about 1.5 kW.
The MTG market will include power users, such as office buildings, apartment complexes,
and small businesses, where minimal involvement in the power source is a prerequisite. A
design requiring minimal maintenance is consequently needed if the MTG is to be well
received.
Bowman has evaluated two types of compressor for use with its range of MTGs. These are
the sliding vane and the scroll types of compressor; the merits of each are discussed as
follows. A typical sliding vane packaged unit is shown in Fig. 1.7.
» High reliability
» High efficiency
* Self contained package
* Compact
* Low cost
* Low oil consumption
* Low maintenance
* Acoustic attenuation
* Easy installation
• gas is drawn into the suction side and isolated within a chamber;
• the gas is then compressed by reducing the chamber's volume;
• gas exits the compressor through discharge ports or valves.
An Introduction to Micro-turbine Generators 15
Sliding vane compressors consist of a rotor, vanes, and a cylindrical easing. The rotor is
mounted eccentrically in the casing. Machined slots in the rotor guide flat, rectangular vanes.
These vanes are free to move in the slots and are held against the casing by centrifugal force.
As the rotor turns (typically at 250-1200 r/min), pockets, which increase then decrease in
volume, are created. Gas is drawn into the expanding pocket and compresses as its volume
decreases. The cross-section of a sliding vane compressor is shown in Fig. 1.8.
Vane wear is the greatest maintenance concern in sliding vane compressors (not bad though in
flooded types). The vanes remain in contact with the casing as they wear, but eventually they
run the risk of becoming too short and may break causing damage to the compressor.
Sliding vane compressors are a favoured GBC option because they meet the flow rate and
pressure ratio requirements. In lubricated versions, Pr = 4 may be reached in a single stage. In
addition, the discharge is nearly pulsation free, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for
an accumulator tank.
A crescent shaped cavity is formed at the outside edge of the contacting scrolls. Gas enters
this cavity through the suction port. As the moving scroll orbits the stationary scroll, the
cavity's size is reduced until it reaches the discharge port at their centre. A graphic of this
motion can be found on Copeland Corporation's web page at http://www.copeland-corp.
com/airconditioning/scrollintro.html
Scroll compressors have several advantages that enhance their potential as suitable micro-
turbine gas boost compressors:
• their volumetric and isentropic efficiencies are high — in fact, scroll efficiencies exceed
reciprocating efficiencies;
• there is only one moving part;
• they are available for small capacities;
• there is no clearance volume.
Scroll compressors are widely used in refrigeration applications (air conditioners) and have
recently been converted to air and gas compressors. Pressure ratios reach as high as eight in a
single stage, while capacities are low compared to most compressor types. These features
make them suitable for MTG applications.
An Introduction to Micro-turbine Generators 17
Cogeneration (CHP) systems burning natural gas incorporate two key areas of technology:
High-efficiency, stainless-steel, waste heat boilers have been designed and integrated into the
cogeneration package to enable hot water, typically at 90 °C, to be produced from the exhaust
gas stream.
18 Micro-turbine Generators
It is possible to produce chilled water from the exhaust heat through the use of an absorption
chiller driven either directly from the gas turbine exhaust stream or indirectly from the hot
water from the waste heat boiler. Several of the MTG manufacturers are evaluating alternative
designs of chillers, and alternative chiller suppliers, with an aim of commercially introducing
a suitable product in 2002/3 for air conditioning applications.
In order to increase the efficiency of the hot water absorption chiller the hot water is produced
at 110 °C for this type of application.
The recuperated machine provides a heat to power ratio of about 2:1 and an overall system
efficiency of about 80 per cent. Where a site has a need for more heat, up to a heat to power
ratio of 4:1, then a simple cycle system can be installed. In this latter case, although the
electrical efficiency naturally falls, the overall system efficiency can rise to around 90 per
cent. The use of a simple cycle system can be particularly advantageous if it enables a site
boiler to be decommissioned or eliminates the need for a new purchase.
The design target for diesel and kerosene fuels is to achieve below 25 ppm NOx although this is
a much more challenging target due to the more difficult atomization and combustion process of
these fuels, particularly when considering the low cost requirement of the fuel system.
To expand the market for the micro-turbine product then capability to bum digester gas,
landfill gas, coal seam gas, flare gas, and low calorific value manufactured gas, e.g. wood
gasification gas, is necessary. Progress is being made in the development of suitable
combustors to enable all these gases to be burned economically and with low exhaust gas
emissions. There are several pilot project schemes underway to address the combustion of all
these gaseous fuels.
maintenance and low consumption of spare parts. When evaluating through life costs of a
system then these benefits and advantages are very significant in comparison with
reciprocating engine systems.
A further benefit of this simplicity of design is the tremendous potential for low-cost volume
manufacture. The parts count is dramatically reduced in comparison with alternative
technologies.
The standard modular approach to the package design allows the addition (or removal) of
further systems as an initial site load grows or reduces. Therefore the standard range of
packaged systems allows loads of 30 kW to 1000 kW to be effectively addressed both
technically and commercially and also in a timely convenient manner.
The standard system has built-in protection for under and over voltage, under and over
frequency, and reverse power, which are normally required by the utility to allow permission
for parallel operation.
The widespread dispersal and need for cost effective despatch and maintenance necessitates
the supply of a remote control and monitoring system. All Bowman cogeneration systems are
capable of being so monitored and the Customer Support Department uses this tool as a key
element in the provision of a range of support programmes tailored to suit the specific needs
of it's wide range of customers.
1.5 Conclusions
The micro-turbine industry is rapidly becoming established although the projected high
volume manufacturing levels are yet to be realized.
There are in 2002, four or five companies making commercial shipment of systems
worldwide. Systems are available from approximately 30 kW to 150 kW electrical output,
suitable for operation on a variety of gaseous and liquid fuels.
The distributed power generation market (DG) is being addressed in several key 'high added
value' sectors such as cogeneration and trigeneration, Waste gas utilization, secure power, and
20 Micro-turbine Generators
mobile power. As sales volumes increase then the MTG cost will reduce enabling further
more cost conscious sectors of the DG market to be addressed.
The technology is largely proven and this Chapter sought to identify and describe some of the
generic and alternative technologies in use.
Acknowledgements
To Bowman Power Systems Limited, for giving permission for this Chapter to be published
References
(1) EN 50081-1 Electromagnetic Compatibility. General Emission Standard. Residential,
Commercial and Light industry.
(2) IEEE 519 Recommended practical requirements for Harmonic Control in Electrical
Power Systems.
A Bullin
Bowman Power Systems Limited, Southampton, UK
2
Abstract
Micro-turbine generators (MTGs) have been identified by the US Department of Energy as
one of the 27 critical technologies for the United States. It has only been in the past three
years that MTGs have become commercially available for sale to end users, utilities, and
energy service providers.
Southern California Edison (SCE) has established an MTG testing programme for
manufacturers and others to evaluate the certain performance capabilities of the turbines. The
purpose of this programme is to provide an independent, third-party, testing assessment. This
project purchased, installed, operated, and tested micro-turbines to assess their performance.
Data was collected electronically and manually.
SCE conducts a unique micro-turbine testing programme for DOE, the California Energy
Commission, and EPRI. The testing is at SCE's host site. This site is at the Combustion
Laboratory at the University of California (UCI) in Irvine, California. UCI was chosen
because of its robust advanced power programme featuring both an educational and research
facility built around energy technologies. The programme relies on the National Fuel Cell
Research Center, the world-renowned Combustion Laboratory, and UCFs
Distributed/Dispersed Energy Technologies programme and demonstration facilities,
including the development of an inverter laboratory, all housed at UCI.
SCE's testing programme began in 1996. It has tested MTGs from Capstone Turbine
Corporation and Bowman Power Systems. Until recently, no other turbines have been
available for purchase and testing under the programme, although a Honeywell MTG has
arrived for installation and testing. The programme is attempting to purchase and test MTGs
from Elliott Energy and new models from Capstone.
Our programme tests the MTGs for machine performance. It tests MTGs performance against
its manufacturer's performance claims for efficiency, emissions, and noise. MTGs are also
tested against applicable industry standards, such as power quality and/or local requirements,
such as the South Coast Air Quality Management District's air quality standards. In addition,
qualitatively assessed are the ease of MTG installation and startup, maintenance and
operation, and overall machine performance. A daily log is maintained by the testing crew to
ensure the integrity of the testing results and to record events to explain the data captured.
As a part of the testing programme, SCE has established facilities at UCI that provide a 'level
testing field' for all MTGs. MTGs are equipped with data acquisition equipment to ensure
that data is captured on a real-time basis. A veteran, on-site, three-person, testing crew also
reviews the electronic data capture with manual measurements to ensure that electronic
capture is consistent with physical experience.
The testing crew activity interacts with technical staff from the manufacturers. An essential
part of the testing programme is to provide written feedback to each manufacturer, on an
Micro-turbine Generators - Next Generation 23
individual basis, about the results of the testing programme. The testing crew offers
suggestions for consideration by the manufacturer for future product enhancements.
Another important value of the testing programme is that it provides independent, third-party
information for the public on the performance of the MTGs on a consistent basis under actual
operating conditions. 'Lessons learned' offers expert advice on operating experience and
observations that can be used by the public to consider how best to use MTGs under actual
operating conditions.
The summit identified that the market for MTGs is potentially quite large but the alternatives
that are competing to serve industrial power needs will be hard to beat with today's existing
MTG technologies. Likewise the favorable attributes of fuel cells, also an emerging
technology, put lots of pressure on MTGs.
• Achieving the goal of increasing the overall efficiency of micro-turbines to 40 per cent or
greater could boost the appeal of micro-turbines substantially compared with competing
technologies, such as diesel gensets.
• A number of barriers are affecting the development of marketers for small-scale power
plants, including micro-turbines, not the least of which is uncertainty about the future of
the structure of electric power markets.
• A particular issue is the interconnection of distributed generation technologies, including
micro-turbines, with the utility grid. Interconnection specifications are not standardized
and vary by utility systems across the world.
• A focused RD&D programme can be a great help in improving the prospects for micro-
turbines.
• Lower-cost, more efficient micro-turbines with known performance and proven reliability
are needed.
• RD&D to lower cost and increase the reliability of equipment for fuel processing, gas
compression, recuperation, and power electronics is also important.
• Development of advanced materials that are less costly, more durable, and capable of
operating efficiently at higher temperatures could be one of the keys to making substantial
improvements in the thermal efficiency and environmental performance of micro-turbines.
As a result of the summit referenced above, DOE and others have developed funding
solicitations to provide for future RD&D funding focused on the findings above.
24 Micro-turbine Generators
Based on the findings of the summit, MTGs can be expected to increase efficiency through
improved materials. This includes technologies such as ceramics and components like more
efficient recuperators and advanced power electronics.
MTG manufacturers during the next three years will add features targeted for expanding their
entry niche markets and developing.
This period will focus on enhancing the MTG's capability in key areas that make it a broader
based product. These capabilities are as follows.
• Plug and play enhancements will add to the user-friendliness and the MTG capabilities.
Such ease of use and expanded capabilities will be advantageous for small customers who
do not employ or expect to employ, highly technical staff. These customers will require
that the MTG be installed simply and operated unattended. The MTG must be smart
enough to trouble-shoot problems and call home with problems. The MTG must be able to
configure itself given the customer's physical requirements and constraints. It should be
able to advise of future maintenance, such as cleaning filters, replacement parts, at routine
intervals.
• Fuel flexibility with dual fuel capability. MTGs will need to operate efficiently on a variety
of fuels, including natural gas, diesel, propane, digester gas, etc. Most of the manufacturers
have realized the value of multiple fuel operations and have designed, or are designing,
future models which can operate on a variety of fuels. Additionally the MTG will need to
have the capability to switch between fuel types so as to provide back-up fueling
capability. Ideally, these capabilities will be provided transparently to the customer
requiring only simple modifications, if any.
• Tight, seamless integration to the grid will be important to micro-turbines' customer
economics. MTG manufacturers are working with software/firmware providers to provide
communications and controls that easily provide the ability to aggregate and centrally
dispatch many dispersed MTGs, if used as standby, and other standby distributed
generation technologies. Small generators located in constrained parts of the grid can be
dispatched and bring needed capacity during peak demand periods when spot prices can
soar.
• Environmental issues related to MTGs surround emission and noise. MTGs are expected to
be low in NOx but even so, large central plants are catching up so MTGs will continue to
push down the level of NOx. Meanwhile, low efficiency of MTGs relative to large,
combined-cycle, central plants make reducing MTG 'green house' emissions by increasing
efficiency a required goal. Most MTG manufacturers claim noise levels in the 65—70 dBA
at 10 m. In certain locations, such as city and urban areas, this level will need to decline to
55-60 dBA. Also, the high-frequency pitch from the high-speed turbine will require
sattenuation in some locations and some applications.
Micro-turbine Generators - Next Generation 25
Initial niches for MTGs are commercial customers who value increased reliability due to
significant costs related to spoilage or lost business. MTG manufacturers should look for the
same type of customer in the industrial sector. To get this larger-size customer, MTGs will
need to be ganged up into multiple-unit packages.
Another attractive niche for MTGs is the customer who uses lots of energy in their production
process and wants to benefit from managing energy price volatility. As electric industry
deregulation continues, rates will move toward 'time-of-use'. Under time-of-use pricing,
electricity is priced and sold in discrete blocks of time. During peak periods of the day, prices
can escalate. In this instance, the MTG can provide a physical hedge against rising prices.
To survive into the next decade, there must be major improvement in overall product
robustness and performance so as to grow into broad applications and secure market
acceptance.
Bibliography
Building Operating Management, March, 2000, page 12, 'Outlook, Minipower Plants:
Microturbines Draw Interest'
'Distributed Generation: Understanding the Economies', An Arthur D. Little White Paper,
1999.
'Advanced Microturbines,' DOE's Office of Industrial Technologies, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Project Fact Sheet.
Watts, J. H. 'Microturbines: A New Class of Gas Turbine Engine,' Global Gas Turbine
News, Vol. 39: 1999, No 1.
de Rouffignac, A. 'Backing Up the Grid with Microturbines,' RDI Energy Insight, December
3, 1999.
Wheat, D. 'Distributed gen enhances the grid, but can't beat central power,' POWER,
November/December 1999.
Swanekamp, R. 'Distributed generation seeks market niches,' POWER,
November/December 1999.
Hamilton, S. L. 'The Buzz is from the Micro Turbine Generators,' Deregulation Watch,
7.31.99, Vol. 2, No 14.
26 Micro-turbine Generators
S L Hamilton
Southern California Edison, USA
Abstract
This Chapter provides a summary of research and analysis of the micro- and mini-turbine
market in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The methodological approach
including extensive interviewing process is described. The analysis of the results from the
study shows that the market was originally over-hyped by the suppliers, and that unit sales
have not reached those early expectations. While market potential exists, some changes in
national provisions (such as in NET A or Germany's new CHP Law) are needed to facilitate
market growth. Market competitors are focused on overcoming key challenges, such as high
kW prices to help drive the market. However, the ratio between electricity and gas prices,
demand for cooling, and the regulatory position of the energy markets will significantly affect
installation potential.
This Chapter comprises excerpts from Frost & Sullivan's most recently published analysis of
the micro- and mini-turbine market.
3.1 Methodology
The methodological approach applied to the research into the European, Middle Eastern, and
African market for micro- and mini-turbines (Report # 3966-14) followed Frost & Sullivan's
twelve-step market engineering research methodology. The primary research, analyses,
surveys, comparisons, and forecasts are based on over 100 specific interviews carried out by
experienced analysts plus the results from research undertaken for other related market
analyses.
28 Micro-turbine Generators
These 100 interviews were conducted with four groups of companies, each playing an
important part in future market development.
The results also draw on several years of on-going discussions with companies involved in
supplying generating sets and components in Europe and North America as well as a large
number of utility and energy service companies.
The research strategy was constructed with the aim of providing detailed information
concerning the key issues affecting the market, strategic analysis, and specific issue-related
recommendations.
Interviews with manufacturers and developers of micro- and mini-turbines, packagers, and
component suppliers were aimed at gaining access to information on existing and planned
products, company insights, and strategies for growth and sales and expectations for future
markets.
Targeted end-user feedback allowed an analysis of the market from the bottom up providing
key information such as customer attitudes, expectations, and experience.
Utility survey information was conducted aimed at providing a highly important insight into
the attitudes of utilities towards their utilization of micro- and mini-turbines in future
Distributed Generation (DG) strategies.
Capstone and Elliott were the first to commercialize micro-turbine units in the United States
during 1997. However, it was not until 2000 that commercialization of micro-turbines took
place in Europe, although Kawasaki's 600 kW mini-turbine was launched during 1995 (this
has not been marketed for several years in Europe however). Six market participants are now
active in the European sector, offering products that range in output from 30 kW to 600 kW,
although three new entrants are expected in the short- and medium-term.
Analysis of Micro- and Mini-turbine Competitive and Supply Markets in Europe 29
During contacts with European energy service companies, and distributed energy studies
undertaken in the United States, it became evident that many companies anticipate making
multiple micro- and mini-turbine purchases in the short- to medium-term as units become
available, and maintenance strategies and distribution networks are developed. Also, by
assessing the market for those primary competing technologies, Frost & Sullivan has been
provided with a positive view of the market and expects it to develop rapidly during its first
years.
Views regarding the primary countries in which this technology will be significantly adopted
vary. However, the foremost European industrialized nations of Germany, France, Italy, and
the United Kingdom will account for the majority of units. However, the ratio between
electricity and gas prices, demand for CHP or air-conditioning, and the regulatory position of
the energy market in each country, will significantly effect installation potential in all
European countries.
3.2.1.2 Mini-turbines
Mini-turbines are generally based on traditional axial gas-turbine technology and are
essentially a scaled-down version of such. For the purposes of this study Frost & Sullivan has
excluded units with an output above 600 kW, based on the idea that they are not competing
within the same output range bracket and the market for larger units inhabits a relatively older
product life-cycle stage. However, mini-turbines are generally a non-viable proposition below
around 400 kW, because of performance compromises for lower output configurations.
Several original equipment manufacturer (OEM) companies have this type of turbine on the
market or in the latter stages of development, including Volvo Aero Turbines, Kawasaki Gas
Turbine, and OPRA (using radial-flow technology).
The systems run on a range of fuels consisting of natural and other gases, such as landfill and
sour gas, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Emissions have proved to be relatively
low, companies claiming less than 9 ppm NOx for natural gas. Efficiencies from recuperated
thermal units range from 26 to 33 per cent (depending on the size of the recuperator). OPRAs
30 Micro-turbine Generators
OD500 unit is reported to meet such efficiency levels without a recuperator. Units without a
recuperator have not achieved anything like these efficiencies, measuring less than 20 per
cent. The future development of ceramic gas turbines (such as Kawasaki's developmental
CGT300) are claimed to have efficiencies of 42 per cent, although these appear to be at least
several years from commercialization.
In Europe, the market initially grew slowly with demand of around 50 units in 2000. This
figure was considerably lower than several companies predicted. Frost & Sullivan expect the
most significant periods of growth will be between 2001 to 2003 as confidence in the products
increases and the product range grows. In 2001, sales of units surpassed 2000 totals during the
second quarter and inquiries/orders were increasing in each month to the end of June. It is
calculated that annual growth will decline gradually to 2010, although figures will remained in
double figures to the end of 2001. Figure 3.1 shows three forecast scenarios. These are based
on the extent to which the various drivers and restraining factors occur in the region over time.
Based on experience of forecasting other new technology markets, Frost & Sullivan's forecast
is just above the low growth scenario.
Fig. 3.1 Micro- and mini-turbine market growth scenarios (Europe), 2001—2010
Analysis of Micro- and Mini-turbine Competitive and Supply Markets in Europe 31
Unit shipments in the market are forecast to increase at a rate similar to revenue growth
generally throughout the forecast period. This is because of the anticipated increasing average
unit output juxtaposed to decreasing price rate per kW. Average prices are forecast to decrease
through a combination of price-cutting by manufacturers, and also because of increasing
production output.
Table 3.1 Increasing output of micro- and mini-turbines over time (Europe), 2001
Company kW Date
Capstone 28 1999
Elliot 50 2000
75 200Q
Elliot 80 2000
Turbec 100 2000
Capstone 56 2001
Ingersoll-Rand 70 2001
Elliot 200 2001
Turbec 200 2002
TurboGenset 400 2002
OPRA 500 2002
Honsvwsll 400 2QQ3
Ingersoll-Rand 250 2004
Kawasaki 300 2004
TurboGenset 1200 2005
Note: Honeywell exited the market in September 2001 and at time
of going to press, were still seeking a buyer for the technology.
Frost & Sullivan considers the European countries identified in Table 3.2 to be those most
likely to meet some of the conditions as laid out above and, therefore, where potential demand
is likely to be highest. A short synopsis of key national issues is also provided in the table.
Analysis of Micro- and Mini-turbine Competitive and Supply Markets in Europe 33
For example, the combustor and closed cycle configuration are expected to deliver efficiency
in the 33 to 37 per cent range, with emissions of less than 9 ppm. These product attributes
allow ALM to position its micro-turbine for prime power applications, competing with the
electric grid, as opposed to direct competition with micro-turbine manufacturers.
ALM is also developing a low emission (<5 ppm NOx), 37.5 per cent efficient, 300 kW
micro-turbine for stationary power applications and a 50 kW unit for automotive applications.
Stationary generation applications include peak shaving, grid support, resource recovery,
remote power, standby/back-up, UPS, CHP, and base load. ALM has 16 patents, and patents
pending which the company believes will shelter it from would-be competitors.
NOx emissions of between 5 ppm and 10 ppm in the open cycle mode are achieved without a
catalytic device. Testing the engine in semi-closed mode should reduce NOx emissions to
below 5 ppm utilizing exhaust gas recirculation ('EGR').
Over the next several years ALM will complete its prototype and assemble a management
team. This will require a shift from research and development to manufacturing and
marketing. At the same time ALM will learn from other manufacturers, benefiting from
increased deployments by the industry and advanced manufacturing techniques.
The new entrant expects to sell 1000 units of the 300 kW micro-turbine by the end of 2003 or
2004. As production levels reach 1000 units, ALM believes it can significantly lower the price
per kW from the initial expected price of $1000 per kW to $500 per kW.
A greater goal for ALM is to bring its product to market. This feat will require the refinement
of existing technology, maintaining adequate finance levels, and establishing a manufacturing
process and assembly facility.
ALM recently received a $2.8 million grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC),
matched by approximately $3.4 million of its own funds. The grant is awarded to developers
of low emissions electrical generating technologies. The project funds will be used to develop,
test, install, and demonstrate commercially viable 300 kW micro-turbine units. Under the
project, ALM plans to install a number of units at partner sites which include
SoCalGas/Sempra, Big Bear Area Regional Waste Water Agency, Big Bear Electric, and the
University of California at Irvine.
Analysis of Micro- and Mini-turbine Competitive and Supply Markets in Europe 35
As part of Frost & Sullivan's analysis undertaken in 2001, nine customers were interviewed to
obtain their views. Unfortunately, the majority of responses are from just one company;
Capstone, although they are packaged by two companies; G.A.S. Energietechnik of Germany
and Advantica of the UK. Responses came from the following customers.
Table 3.3 provides a summary of the findings from the end-user interviews and case studies.
By and large, end-users and operators stressed the reliability of the generators, low
maintenance costs, and a sufficiently high electrical efficiency as particular strengths of their
applications.
Compressor technology and control system software were mentioned among other features on
which manufacturers would need to improve.
Table 3.3 Micro- and mini-turbine market - summary of case study results (Europe),
2000-2007
Price(f/KWe; Perceived/expected
End-user Operation Testing/ without
company OEM Supplier Application specifics commercialized installation) Strengths Weaknesses
ASEAG Capstone G.A.S Residential Min. 5500 Commercialized N/A Maintenance; Low gas
CHP full load H emissions; pressure
PA technically affecting
advanced compressor;
noise
Durham Capstone Advantica CHP (County Full load: Commercialized 1500 Availability; Noise
County Hall) 24 H/day in reliability;
winter, 7 easy
H/day in Installation
Summer
Bayerngas Capstone G.A.S Trigeneration 6000 full Commercialized 1400 Maintenance; None so far
load H PA emissions;
no
alternative
Thyssengas Turbec Turbec Residential Not yet Testing; to be 1100 Efficiency; None so far
CHP decided transferred as superior to
commercialized recips
unit after 9
months
Gasunie Capstone Capstone CHP Full load for Commercialized 1400 Reliability of Heat side
(System (swimming base load (operated on core genset; and control
Integration pool) electricity behalf of local emissions system
by utility) immature
Gasunie)
Leonard Capstone Advantica CHP (home Full Commercialized N/A Efficiency; Noise;
Cheshire for disabled) load/base emissions; 'scary'
load maintenance technology
electricity
W.J. Findon Capstone Advantica CHP + CO2 Mostly full Commercialized 1300 Emissions; Sensitivity to
use for load; 5000 use of energy
greenhouse HPA exhaust gas; prices
reasonable
payback
period
NOWUM Capstone G.A.S CHP (Diesel Different Testing (Tested on Handling None
Energy Fired) modes of behalf of and
operation G.A.S.) maintenance;
marginal
efficiency
losses on
reduced
load; thermal
efficiency
Gaz De Turbec Turbec CHP Mostly full Testing 700 Electrical Thermal
France application, load efficiency; efficiency;
but heat not shirt gas
used between compressor;
load levels capital
expenses;
control
system
Table 3.4 shows the percentage of respondents answering questions concerning their opinion
of how their customers perceive the value of a range of product attributes. The product
attributes selected were based on interviews with micro-turbine companies. They tended to
promote certain aspects of their products they believed were highly important. In addition,
Analysis of Micro- and Mini-turbine Competitive and Supply Markets in Europe 37
Frost & Sullivan looked at the promotional literature of micro- and mini-turbines to establish
what features are pointed out. The aggregation of this information provided the basis upon
which the generator-set opinion survey was based. The aim was to test the micro- and mini-
turbine companies' assertions that the attributes they are promoting are those desired by the
customer.
Table 3.4 Micro- and mini-turbine market - competing technology market and opinion
survey-value to customer of generating-set product attributes (Europe), 2000
By attributing points to responses given, Frost & Sullivan converted this data into Fig. 3.2,
from which it is clear that the primary attributes that customers are concerned with are engine
reliability, followed by running costs, and fuel efficiency.
Fig. 3.2 Importance to customer of generating set product attributes (Europe), 2000
38 Micro-turbine Generators
3.4.2.4 Footprint
The footprint attribute received the third-lowest ranking with just 31 points. The size of the
generating-set unit is evidently not an important factor to most end-users, according to this group
of suppliers. Of those respondents that provided relevant data, the footprint (length times width)
varied between 1 m2 to 81 m2. However, it would appear that most units are in the region of 2 to
4.5 metres long and 1 to 2 metres wide. Micro- and mini-turbines offer a significant size saving
in this respect, although it does not seem to be a highly ranked parameter. Frost & Sullivan
suspect that for some end-users, footprint will be a very important attribute, because they may
have to 'squeeze' a unit in a tight space, while for others, it is completely irrelevant.
45 per cent. As such, micro- and mini-turbines are seriously lacking in respect of the quantity
of fuel used for like-for-like electrical output.
3.5 Conclusions
There is significant scope in the European market for the widespread adoption of micro- and
mini-turbines. Demand will not be as rapid as that first envisaged by those OEMs pursuing the
market however. The primary customer group during the short-term is likely to be energy
companies, such as utilities and ESCOs using the units for new facilities or to
supplant/support their existing generating facilities. The unit may or may not be located on a
particular customer's premises. End-users in the industrial and commercial sectors are the
40 Micro-turbine Generators
other primary customer group. A significant number of end-users are likely to adopt the units
for trigeneration purposes.
We forecast a fairly moderate rate of market realization (considered as total CHP market for
Europe) of approximately 13 per cent in 2010. This conclusion was reached based on the
analysis of an array of information. The primary sources consisted of Frost & Sullivan's
various US surveys, European cogeneration market report, and the primary research
undertaken with micro- and mini-turbine OEMs, distributors, and other interested third-party
companies, as well as a number of electricity and gas companies around Europe, hi addition,
the European competing technology survey, specifically undertaken for Frost & Sullivan's full
report, also provided valuable input.
The companies that Frost & Sullivan believe will succeed in this market will be those that best
address the following primary challenges.
The five forces analysis shown in Fig. 3.3 is a classical corporate strategy tool to analyse the
competitive environment a market participant is exposed to. It is usually applied to established
or even mature markets, but nevertheless perfectly fits as a strategic tool to shed light on the
anticipated competitive situation the market for micro- and mini-turbines is going to enter.
The five forces analysis has been dedicated to OEMs, rather than packagers or system
integrators.
Analysis of Micro- and Mini-turbine Competitive and Supply Markets in Europe 41
The forces that may threaten market participants in the realization of adequate sales and
profits or, eventually, in their ability to stay in the market, are attributed to five categories that
allows systematical exploration of the gravity of issues characteristic for a specific market.
Each of these is analysed with brief comment made regarding our analysis of such.
The strategic recommendations were derived from the analysis of all the market
measurements developed for our analysis.
3.6 Acknowledgements
The analysts Terry Shane, Klaus Huhn, and Ian French of international market consulting
company, Frost & Sullivan, London undertook the research for this Chapter. Further
contributions were made by Frost & Sullivan, USA.
T Shane
Frost & Sullivan, London, UK
Abstract
Cogeneration may help micro-turbine generators (MTGs) to achieve significant fuel energy
savings, when compared to a reference scenario composed by centralized electric power plants
and boiler heat production. However, real applications are characterized by time-variable
electrical and thermal demand, so that part-load operation, and/or partial heat recovery, deteriorate
MTG energy balance. Simulation on a yearly average basis shows that often the situation can
reverse, leading to a fuel requirement for the distributed energy solution larger than that of the
centralized one and the MTG can not, therefore, be regarded as an 'energy-saving' device.
This Chapter investigates two possibilities of ameliorating the MTGs energetic performance,
by combining them to two other advanced technologies: (i) high-temperature fuel cells, either
solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) or molten-carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) with 'hybrid cycle'
configurations; and/or (ii) a refrigerating/heat pump compressor, coupled to MTG by a
variable speed 'electrical shaft'.
The first option enables a dramatic enhancement of the net electrical efficiency of the system,
yielding great energy-savings and environmental advantages even towards the most advanced
combined cycle technology. However, in absence of a strong increase in the fuel costs, economic
feasibility can be achieved only by a substantial reduction of the fuel cell investment costs and/or
by stipulating adequate tariff incentives (carbon taxes or penalizations for polluting emissions).
The second option enables an efficient use of the cogeneration unit, particularly in the so-
called 'tri-generation' mode, i.e. the combined generation of electricity, heat, and cold. The
presented results indicate that the best solution for a tri-generation plant based upon an MTG
is the combined use of an absorption chiller and a variable-speed compressor, yielding
44 Micro-turbine Generators
advantages both in terms of lower capital cost and lower fuel input, and CO2 emissions
towards a simpler MTG cogenerative plant. However, these configurations still can not
compete with modern large-scale, natural-gas fired, combined cycles from the point of view
of energy-saving and carbon dioxide emissions.
Nomenclature
Exfuei specific exergy of fuel (kJ/kg)
Exgth heat exergy (kW)
Fuf fuel utilization factor (equation 4.3)
m mass flow rate (kg/s)
p pressure (Pa)
Pei electric power (kW)
Q, Qth thermal power (kW)
T temperature (K or °C)
r|n second law efficiency (equation 4.3)
r|ei electric efficiency (equation 4.2)
nth thermal efficiency
Subscripts
cool cooling
el electric
ref reference
Acronyms
AC absorption chiller
COP co-efficient of performance
COPhp HP heat production/HP electric consumption
COPcooli cold production/compressor electric consumption
DC/AC direct/alternating current
FC fuel cell
GT gas turbine
HP heat pump inverse cycle (chiller in summer)
IRE index of primary energy-savings (equation 4.5)
LHV lower heating value (kJ/kg)
MCFC molten carbonate fuel cell
MTG micro-turbine generator
O&M operation and maintenance
PEC primary energy consumption (MWh/y)
SI, S2 reference scenarios for separate generation of electricity and heat (see Table 4.5)
SOFC solid oxide fuel cell
4.1 Introduction
The net electric efficiency of a state-of-the-art micro-turbine generator (MTG) is much lower,
about half of that of modern, large-scale combined cycle. The latter benefits from a high firing
temperature, high-pressure ratio, gas turbine cycle, built around high-efficiency, multi-stage,
Future Potential Developments of Micro-turbine Generators - Hybrid Cycles and Tri-generation 45
Cogeneration, i.e. heat recovery from gas turbine exhaust, ameliorates the MTG energy
balance. Let us consider the example of Fig. 4.1. The upper part of the figure represents the
energy balance of a 100 kWei micro-turbine: 333 kW of fuel (LHV) are converted into
electricity with a net efficiency of 30 per cent; the recovery boiler generates about 150 kWth,
while the remaining (333 - 100 - 150 = 83 kW) are lost (stack, auxiliaries, electrical, and
mechanical losses, etc). The lower part of the figure represents the energy balance of the
combination of a state-of-the-art centralized electric station (combined cycle) and boiler. To
provide 100 kWei at customer site, about 105 kWei should be generated by centralized power
station: assuming a net fuel efficiency of 55 per cent, the fuel power required is about
191 kW. A 90 per cent efficient natural gas boiler requires an additional 167 kW to generate
150 kWth. Thus, thanks to cogeneration, the MTG is capable of saving some fuel energy
(333 versus 358 kW, i.e. 7 per cent) when compared to the centralized solution, even if a
high-efficiency combined cycle is considered for the comparison.
Fig. 4.1 Energy balance comparison for a cogenerative MTG and separated generation
(same electric and thermal power to the final user) - reference is made to a high-tech
scenario, where the centralized power plant is a state-of-the-art combined cycle
and the boiler efficiency is 90 per cent
46 Micro-turbine Generators
However, this statement holds only under the rather ideal assumptions (MTG at full load,
nominal conditions, and complete heat recovery from exhaust gases) made in Fig. 4.1: in real
applications, characterized by time-variable electrical and thermal demand, part-load
operation, and/or partial heat recovery deteriorate MTG energy balance. On a yearly average
basis, the situation can easily reverse: the fuel required by the distributed energy solution
becomes larger than that of the centralized one and the MTG can not, therefore, be regarded
as an 'energy-saving' device.
This Chapter investigates two possibilities of ameliorating the MTGs' energetic performance
by combining them to two other advanced technologies:
1. high-temperature fuel cells, either solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) or molten-carbonate fuel
cells (MCFCs); and/or
2. a compressor operating with an inverse cycle, coupled to an MTG by a variable speed
'electrical shaft'.
The first option, usually referred to as 'hybrid cycle', enables a dramatic enhancement of the
net electrical efficiency of the system. While, as discussed above, it is questionable whether
present 'state-of-the-art', gas-fired, micro-turbines are energy-saving devices when compared
to modem high-efficiency, large-scale combined cycles, there are no doubts about the great
energy-savings and environmental advantages achievable by hybrid cycles.
The rationale of the second option, i.e. the addition of a refrigerating/heat pump compressor
that uses part of the electrical energy generated by the micro-turbine to generate either low
temperature heat and/or cold, is the great flexibility added to the system. The
electrical/thermal power ratio, unequivocally fixed in micro-turbines as well as in hybrid
cycles, can be varied over a wide range. This enables a much more efficient and cost-effective
use of the cogeneration unit, particularly in the so-called 'tri-generation' mode, i.e. the
combined generation of electricity, heat, and cold.
which compares the primary energy consumption 'PEC' of the cogenerative system with the
primary energy consumption of the reference separated generation of electricity (centralized
power stations) and heat (boiler) required to fulfill the electricity and heat balance.
Let us refer to scenario 2: as shown in Fig. 4.2, lines at constant IRE are parallel to A2-B2,
that is the line with IRE = 0. As anticipated, a 'state-of-the-art' MTG operating at nominal
conditions and with full heat recovery (point MTGn0m) has a positive (even if small, 7 per
cent) IRE. The more efficient hybrid solution described in the next section (point
SOFC + MTG) yields much higher IRE.
The situation for real case applications are much less favourable: yearly average net electrical
efficiency is lower than nominal, due to part-load operation; the same happens to the thermal
efficiency, due both to part-load operation and partial heat recovery. The point representing
MTG yearly average operation (point MTGyearly average) moves into the IREs2 < 0 zone, i.e. the
distributed generation would yield an increase of primary energy consumption, if compared to
high-efficiency, combined cycles.
The adoption of a heat pump that uses part of the electricity generated by MTG to increase the
plant thermal output (MTG + H) improves the situation: for usual COP values, the net overall
electrical efficiency decrease is more than counterbalanced by the increase of the thermal
efficiency.
48 Micro-turbine Generators
In the following figures and tables the performances of such plants are presented [most of the
figures are derived by previous papers published by the authors (1-5)].
The reference MTG shown in Fig. 4.3 is based on a recuperated gas turbine cycle
arrangement, with a single-stage gas turbine, with radial compressor and radial turbine, and
with an inlet mass flow rate of 1.0 kg/s. Together with the calculating assumptions of Table 4.1,
this is representative for the 100 kW-class micro-turbines actually developed by many
manufacturers (6-8).
Fig. 4.3 Plant scheme, operating conditions, and energy balance of the 'reference' MTG
adopted in this Chapter
Future Potential Developments of Micro-turbine Generators - Hybrid Cycles and Tri-generation 49
Table 4.1 Assumptions for the performance calculation of reference MTG (Fig. 4.3)
The high rotating speed of these compact machines requires a rectifier + inverter power control
system, flattening the high frequency AC output of the high-speed generator and subsequently
generating the requested grid frequency from the rectified direct current. It is interesting to note
that this kind of process could be suitable for integration with the power conditioning system of
a fuel cell, typically generating an AC output starting from the cell DC electrical generation.
For the SOFC technology reference is made to the latest generation of the tubular SOFC, the
Siemens-Westinghouse air electrode supported (AES) fuel cell, with operating temperature of
1000 °C, which has been recently tested up to a 110 kW stand-alone SOFC plant and in a
220 kW hybrid plant size (9-12).
The SOFC is fed by an oxidizer (air) and a fuel (Fig. 4.4). The two fluxes flow in contact with
cathode and anode porous surfaces, separated by a solid electrolyte which is a good O~ ion-
conductor at the high SOFC operating temperatures. The reduction of molecular oxygen to O~
takes place at the cathode, while the fuel is oxidized to steam and carbon dioxide at the anode.
The prevailing oxidization reaction is the hydrogen consumption. Hydrogen is generated by
internal steam reforming and water-gas shift reactions starting from the natural gas feeding
and exploiting the fuel cell high-temperature heat production. Steam is obtained by recycling
a fraction of the anode exhaust gases. The tubular SOFC system is provided with anode
recycling, sustained by an ejector using fresh fuel as driving flow, and with a small pre-
reforming step cracking the higher hydrocarbons and reducing carbon deposition problems. The
exhaust air and fuel flow, partially consumed by the cell, react up to complete fuel oxidization
with an auxiliary combustion; the high-temperature gases preheat the inlet air flow before being
delivered to external components.
50 Micro-turbine Generators
Advanced MCFC plants with nominal power up to 2 MW have conversely been experienced by
different manufacturers (13-15). Reference is made here to the fuel cell energy DIR (direct
internal reforming) configuration (13), where the MCFC is fed with a mixture of steam and
desulphurized natural gas as a fuel. Other details on the FC models can be found in literature
(3, 4,16).
The oxidizer and fuel flow in contact with cathode and anode porous surfaces, separated by a
liquid electrolyte (molten carbonate) which is a good COs= ion-conductor at the high MCFC
operating temperatures. The reduction of molecular oxygen to O~ takes place at the cathode
while hydrogen is oxidized to steam at the anode.
The oxidant flow shall contain a mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide to sustain the
transport of COs= ions across the molten carbonate electrolyte (Fig. 4.4).
Figure 4.5 shows the SOFC + GT hybrid cycle arrangement considered in this work (2,17,18);
a similar plant configuration has been adopted for the first-of-a-kind 220 kW hybrid plant of
Siemens-Westinghouse (9, 11). It is substantially a recuperative gas turbine cycle, where the
combustor is substituted by the SOFC system, fed with preheated and compressed air, and with
preheated and desulphurized natural gas as a fuel; fuel is compressed up to the pressure required
to drive the anode recycle ejectors (3). The fuel cell exhaust gases are directly expanded by the
gas turbine and subsequently cooled by the recuperator. This cycle configuration can lead to
extremely high performances, with a net electric efficiency approaching 65 per cent even at the
small scale of some hundreds-kW system capacity (17-20).
Future Potential Developments of Micro-turbine Generators - Hybrid Cycles and Tri-generation 51
Fig. 4.5 Plant scheme and operating conditions of a hybrid SOFC plant: the
recuperated gas turbine operates at conditions very similar to conventional
MTGs; hence, commercially available turbomachinery could be easily
adapted for the application
Under the assumptions listed in Table 4.2, it is also possible to set up a MCFC hybrid cycle
with a plant scheme similar to the SOFC hybrid plant, as discussed in detail by many authors
(21—24), reaching a system net electric efficiency very close to 65 per cent.
52 Micro-turbine Generators
• either operating the MCFC at atmospheric pressure or under moderate pressure ratio, the
resulting gas-turbine equipment (recuperated or recuperated and reheated) operates at
pressure ratios higher than conventional MTGs, thus requiring specially developed
turbomachinery;
• the plant scheme is generally somewhat more complicated because of the presence of
recirculated flows which are dedicated to the CO2 enrichment of the cathode inlet gas and
to steam recirculation for hydrocarbons reforming; the SOFC technology allows a simpler
cycle configuration thanks to the concept of ejector-sustained partial anode
recirculation (5);
• higher specific power outputs are obtained thanks to the higher utilization rate (i.e. oxygen
consumption) of the air flow which is typical of MCFCs.
An example of such cycle configuration is given in Fig. 4.6. Cycle arrangement is based on a
recuperated gas-turbine cycle, whereby the compressed air is directly used in the catalytic
combustion and the MCFC is fed with the gas-turbine exhaust gases. The cycle pressure ratio
is selected to obtain the desired fuel cell inlet temperature. Steam for hydrocarbon reforming
is generated in this case using water condensed in the cooling process of the anode exhaust,
thus not requiring an external water source; a fuel compressor is required before the catalytic
combustion, which is operated under pressurized conditions.
Future Potential Developments of Micro-turbine Generators - Hybrid Cycles and Tri-generation 53
Fig. 4.6 Plant scheme and operating conditions of a hybrid MCFC plant - the
recuperated gas turbine operates with unconventional pressure ratios
An alternative configuration is proposed by fuel cell energy (13) relying on an 'externally fired'
configuration, which decouples the air loop of the gas turbine (both compressor and turbine
operate with pure air) with the gas loop of the fuel cell. The balance of plant is probably
somewhat simpler but suffers the requirement of a high-temperature heat exchanger, which
limits cycle performances due to constraints on maximum allowable material temperatures.
The reason for the spectacular performances of both MCFC and SOFC hybrid cycle with
respect to the reference MTG cycle of Fig. 4.3 can be evidenced by a second-law analysis
(5), showing that:
• the main MTG cycle loss takes place at the combustor, where 33 percentage points of
second law efficiency are lost - the sum of the electrochemical and combustion losses of
the hybrid cycles is in the range of 17-18 per cent;
• all of the other MTG losses related to conventional components (compressor, expander,
heat exchangers, stack) are reduced by a factor of two or more in the hybrid cycles,
because of their more-than-double fuel input for the same inlet air flow rate. The hybrid
cycle specific power output is two or more times higher than the MTG one.
Among the other advantages of the hybrid plant configuration, is its good partial load
efficiency. In fact the hybrid cycle benefits of the fuel cell intrinsic performance gain at
reduced current output and of the variable speed operation of the turbine. Moreover, gas
turbine performance reduction at increased ambient temperatures causes only a slight decrease
in the hybrid system electrical efficiency, thanks to the prevailing contribute of the FC (not
affected by ambient temperature variations) on the system power output.
54 Micro-turbine Generators
The MTG and the SOFC + MTG system electrical efficiency variation versus load are shown in
Fig. 4.7(a), computed according to reference (2); quite similar features are expected from a
MCFC + GT cycle. Figure 4.7(b) addresses the variation versus load of the two plants of the so-
called first law efficiency (or fuel utilization factor) as well as of the primary energy index
variation. It can be seen that the hybrid cycle is superior to MTG also in terms of first law
efficiency, due to lower stack losses.
Fig. 4.7 Partial load performance of the MTG and of the hybrid SOFC + MTG cycle
(see also equations 4.3, 4.5, and Table 4.5 in the following section)
Three plant schemes have been considered, where the prime mover (MTG or SOFC hybrid
system) can be joined with an absorption chiller and/or with an inverse cycle heat pump/chiller
system, with the aim of creating a tri-generation (heat, cold, and electricity) plant.
1. The simplest plant scheme for a tri-generation plant based upon an MTG is the one
considered in Fig. 4.8, where, in addition to a fraction of recovered heat, a fraction of the
MTG exhaust gases can be used by an absorption chiller to generate a cooling power.
Future Potential Developments of Micro-turbine Generators - Hybrid Cycles and Tri-generation 55
2. In the configuration of Fig. 4.9, two inverters are employed to generate both a grid
frequency output and a variable frequency output used to drive the compressor of a HP unit.
When the prime mover is switched off, a rectifier connects the HP inverter to grid. Ambient
air used as heat source1; heat is generated at a relatively low temperature (40 °C), certainly
adequate for a new building installation, using water as a heat carrier medium. Water is
heated in sequence by the heat pump condenser and by the gas turbine economizer; the
auxiliary boiler, when used, has an average efficiency, which is set to 85 per cent.
3. The third configuration, shown in Fig. 4.10, combines the adoption of an absorption chiller
and of a reversible heat pump/chiller system.
Fig. 4.8 Tri-generation plant made of an MTG, a recovery boiler, and an absorption
chiller - the plant can contemporarily generate electricity, heat, and cold [the heat
(and/or cold) generation is strictly related to the electricity output]
' The assumption of water or ground as a heat source/sink would yield much better co-efficients of performance
and avoid penalties related to frost formation on evaporator heat transfer surfaces.
56 Micro-turbine Generators
Fig. 4.9 Tri-generation plant made of a hybrid cycle (or a MTG) and a recovery boiler -
part of the DC electricity generated is used to drive a variable speed compressor that
can act as a heat pump (winter configuration) or a chiller (summer mode) — the heat
(and/or cold) generation can be varied independently from the electricity output
Fig. 4.10 Tri-generation plant made of a hybrid cycle (or a MTG), a recovery boiler,
and an absorption chiller - part of the DC electricity generated by the MTG is used to
drive a variable speed compressor that can act as a heat pump (heating mode) or a
chiller (cooling mode) - the heat (and/or cold) generation can be varied independently
from the electricity output
Future Potential Developments of Micro-turbine Generators - Hybrid Cycles and Tri-generation 57
The last two plant configurations have the possibility of varying the heat and/or cold
generation independently from the electrical output. It is then possible, for example, to
generate only heat, using all of the MTG or hybrid plant electrical output to drive the heat
pump and recovering the system exhaust heat, leading to the energy flow diagram shown in
Fig. 4.11.
Fig. 4.11 Energy flow diagram of a hybrid plant acting as a 'heat multiplier' - the
energy balance refers to an air-water heat pump operating at two ambient
temperatures: —5 °C (with penalization due to frost formation) and 7 °C;
negligible performance variation occurs in the hybrid plant electric output
(dashed lines). Better performance (higher COP) can be obtained at higher
ambient temperature or with more favourable heat sinks (water or ground)
Fig. 4.12 Electric, thermal, and cooling loads assumed for the simulations
Future Potential Developments of Micro-turbine Generators - Hybrid Cycles and Tri-generation 59
Table 4.4 synthesizes the assumptions for the winter and summer peak conditions as well as
nominal heat exchangers temperature differences.
Table 4.4 Winter and summer load peak conditions (assumed for system capacity
calculation) and other heat exchangers parameters
The performance parameters adopted to evaluate the system efficiency include the prime mover
net electrical efficiency, the fuel utilization factor, the second law efficiency, and the index of
primary energy savings, respectively defined as:
60 Micro-turbine Generators
where the fuel flow considered (mrLei), and the electric power (Pei), refer to the prime mover in
equation (4.2), and to the whole plant (thus including the electrical consumption of the
refrigerating compressors and auxiliaries and the fuel consumption of auxiliary boilers) for
equations (4.3)-(4.5). Thermal load, Qth, refers to the contributes of MTG heat recovery, heat
pump, and auxiliary boiler.
The calculation of IRE is based on reference values for the separate generation of electricity,
heat, and cooling, which are presented in Table 4.5. We will consider two different scenarios;
the first (SI) refers to a realistic average present situation in most industrialized countries, and
the second (S2) refers to state-of-the-art technology.
Table 4.5 Assumptions for reference technology scenarios (yearly average values) - for SI
CO2 specific emissions due to electric generation refer to a carbon + oil + natural gas
fuel mix, while emissions due to heat generation to a naptha + natural gas mix; for S2 all
emissions refer to natural gas only
Scenario 1 Scenario 2
Fuel-to-grid LHV electric efficiency - r|eiiref 38% 55%
Grid electric efficiency - r|grid 92% 95%
Boiler LHV efficiency - T|th,ref 75% 90%
COP refrigerating unit - COPcooi.ref 2.5 4
CO2 specific emissions g/kWhei 600 389
CO2 specific emissions g/MJfuei 72 56
A tri-generation plant faces the necessity to cover the three independent loads, with very
different situations all over the year. The plant could be applied either to:
The alternative investigated here is the first; the system capacity is always set to fulfill peak
demands, thus frequently operating at partial loads. The system is thus completely
independent from the grid, except for backup.
The results of the annual simulations are shown in Table 4.6. All the systems generate the same
amount of electricity, heat, and cooling during the year, but have different nominal sizes. They
reach the maximum power fraction (accounting for the effects of the ambient temperature on
the MTG) during summer; their nominal size is set to operate at about 90 per cent of the system
maximum power during the summer peak conditions, thus with a reserve capacity of
withstanding the occurrence of 10 per cent higher peaks.
Future Potential Developments of Micro-turbine Generators - Hybrid Cycles and Tri-generation 61
1. MTG + AC - The micro-turbine generator nominal output (360 kW) is selected in order to
generate all electricity demand, including that required by remote chillers. Thermal power
recovered by MTG is used in winter for heat demand, and in summer to feed an absorption
chiller (AC). Winter peaks are covered by auxiliary boiler, and summer peaks by remote
chillers.
2. MTG + HP - the MTG electrical output is partly used by a variable speed compressor that
can act as a heat pump and/or as a chiller (nominal electric power 120 kW). MTG nominal
output is slightly higher (370 kW), since all cooling capacity must be generated electrically
(no AC). The auxiliary boiler operates only for back-up.
62 Micro-turbine Generators
3. MTG + HP + AC - is a combination of the two previous cases, with both AC and HP: the
electrically driven chiller operates when the cooling power generated by AC is not
sufficient. Both MTG and HP nominal power are lower (310 kW and 70 kW respectively).
4. SOFC + MTG + HP - the hybrid cycle has a nominal output (350 kW) lower than the
MTG + HP case, due to the lower power decrease at high ambient temperature.
For all cases, it has been assumed a global 92.5 per cent reliability to simulate a total plant
availability of 90 per cent (with a 5 per cent loss for plant unscheduled out-of-service periods
and 5 per cent for maintenance time, the latter being distributed on low-load periods with a
2.5 per cent equivalent effect on the reliability). System electric and heat output are
consequently reduced, while auxiliary boiler heat is used to cover the entire thermal demand
during plant unavailability; the purchased electricity consumption to cover the electricity
demand is computed under the same assumptions. The primary energy consumption is
therefore calculated as the system fuel input for the yearly operated hours, increased by the
primary energy consumption requested to cover the electric, thermal, and cooling load during
system unavailability.
The following comments can be drawn from the results shown in the tables.
• The comparison of the yearly average COP shows that higher values are obtained by those
configurations where the heat pump system works more continuously and closer to its
nominal capacity; the hybrid plant is penalized in the cooling COP with respect to the
MTG plant because of the more frequent necessity of a contemporary heat and cool
production .
• The yearly average IRE, if referred to the 'advanced' scenario (S2), is positive only for the
hybrid system, showing that even with the adoption of variable-speed heat pumps and
absorption chiller, a 'prime mover' for distributed power generation with electrical
efficiency in the range of 30 per cent can not compete from the point of view of primary
energy savings and CO2 reduction with a state-of-the-art efficient centralized power
distribution. The results are very different for the 'conventional' scenario (SI), where the
micro-turbine system always gives the possibility of achieving significant energy savings
and CO2 reductions, with a yearly average IRE close to 20 per cent.
• The yearly average fuel utilization factor of the hybrid system (Table 4.6) exceeds 144 per
cent thanks to the extremely high average electric efficiency (0.57) and to the heat pump
operation. All the MTG systems show much poorer performances, primarily because of the
lower electrical efficiency (with a yearly average close to 0.25). Even exploiting the heat
pump and the absorption chiller, the annual balance shows a fuel utilization factor, which
does not exceed 0.8. During both summer and half-season, 30 -H 35 per cent of the daily
operating hours show a negative IRE, due to the very low load requested.
• Not surprisingly, the GT + HP + AC configuration achieves better performances, thanks to
the much more efficient use of the exhaust-gas heat recovery during summer operation.
Thanks to the lower heat pump nominal power required (70 versus 120 kW), this system can
furthermore utilize a smaller gas turbine, working with higher average loads. These
advantages are partially compromised by two factors:
- (i) during half season operation it is necessary to operate the heat pump both for heating
and cooling (thus with lower COP than for the simple cooling of the GT + HP system),
due to the large amount of heat subtracted to the exhaust gases by the absorption chiller;
'in these cases, the condensing temperature increases, thus COP decreases.
Future Potential Developments of Micro-turbine Generators - Hybrid Cycles and Tri-generation 63
- (ii) the operation of a double cooling system (HP + AC) instead of a single system (HP
only) is penalized by higher auxiliary losses. As a global result, the difference in the
total fuel input of the two systems (MTG + HP + AC versus MTG + AC) is close to
12.5 per cent.
The most relevant assumptions related to the cost of components and to the parameters
involved in the financial analysis are indicated in Table 4.7. For the MTG a 'target' specific
cost of 600 S/kWel is assumed (25), while SOFC investment assumptions are consistent with
the mid-term projected cost evolution of current manufacturers (26); conventional component
costs are assumed based on a recent survey of commercial products (27).
With the hypotheses of Table 4.7, considering an operating life of 10 years and 5 per cent
interest rate, the most cost effective configuration is the GT + HP + AC system, which has the
lowest investment costs, thanks to the reduced micro-turbine and heat pump size. This plant
configuration has an advantage on the total annual costs of about 4 per cent over the GT + HP
system and of about 18 per cent over the more expensive hybrid system. Only with a much
lower investment cost (1500 versus 2500 $/kW) or with a higher fuel cost (0.45 versus 0.25
$/Sm3) the hybrid configuration could exploit its lower consumption and achieve the first
position in this comparison.
It should be pointed out that this comparison does not account for the great advantages
yielded by the hybrid configuration with respect to CC>2 emissions (ranging between 41.8 and
61.3 per cent with respect to the conventional scenario of Table 4.5) and primary energy
savings. These merits should call for the adoption of incentives to help this technology to
achieve economic feasibility.
64 Micro-turbine Generators
A further way to improve the plant economics, which involves tariff discussion and which is
not considered here, could be to operate the micro-turbine or the hybrid at full load during
electricity peak demand periods (when the utility company rates are higher), exporting excess
electricity to the grid. The load diagrams suggest also the alternative opportunity to shut down
the system during very low load periods (i.e. night hours in summer and half season),
purchasing electricity from the grid, to avoid operating with very low electrical efficiency.
4.6 Conclusions
The electric, heating, and cooling demand of residential and tertiary buildings is generally
characterized by large variations during the day, the week, the season. A one-degree-of-
freedom device, like an MTG (featuring a single value of thermal output for each value of
electrical output), is not the best solution to fit this request.
The presented results indicate that the best solution for a tri-generation plant based upon an
MTG is the combined use of an absorption chiller and of a compressor driven by a variable-
speed 'electrical shaft' (third column in Tables 4.6 and 4.8). The ratio between electric and
heat (or cold) output can thus be varied from zero to infinity and the high COPs achievable
improve the 'thermodynamic quality' of the system. Advantages are in term of lower capital
cost (about 15 per cent), lower fuel input (about 12 per cent), and lower COa emissions,
towards the simpler MTG cycle of Fig. 4.8 (first column in Tables 4.6 and 4.8).
G7 + HP SOFC + GT+HP
Plant investment costs
GT or SOFC + GT ($) 216 000 222 000 186 000 745 000
Heat pump1 ($) - 144 000 84000 144 000
Absorption chiller ($) 98 000 — 84 000 -
Distributed chiller units ($) 66000 - - -
Total plant investment costs ($) 380 000 366 000 354 000 889 000
Annual costs
Fuel annual costs ($/year) 102020 93 645 89 158 48 673
O&M annual costs ($/year) 4654 4849 4751 7377
Total fuel + O&M annual costs ($/year) 106 674 98 494 93 910 56 050
Capital annual costs2 ($/year) (*) 49 210 47 397 45 843 115 126
Total annual costs ($/year) 155 884 145 891 139 753 171 176
Cost savings
Fuel and O&M annual cost saving
0.0 7.7 12.0 47.5
(% of GT+AC term)
Capital annual cost variation
0.0 3.7 6.8 -133.9
(% of GT+AC term)
1
At least three units (3*50 per cent) are always present, to insure redundancy
2
Operating life 10 years, interest rate 5 per cent
However, even exploiting all the thermodynamic benefits of the addition of variable speed
heat pumps, MTGs can not compete with modern large-scale, natural-gas fired combined
Future Potential Developments of Micro-turbine Generators - Hybrid Cycles and Tri-generation 65
cycles (scenario 2) from the point of view of energy-saving and carbon dioxide emissions.
The adoption of 'hybrid cycles' (a technology not yet commercially available, with
unpredictable investment costs) would greatly improve the energetic performance of the
system and would be a much more environmentally benign solution. Hybrid systems can
reach net electrical efficiency well above the best combined-cycle, with negligible pollutant
emissions. At the stipulated natural gas specific cost (0.25 $/Sm3) the savings in fuel expenses
are anyway not sufficient to justify the stipulated SOFC specific investment of 2500 $/kW, a
figure often stated by manufacturers as a projected cost. The simulation indicates that only
with a substantial reduction of the investment costs (i.e. below 1500 $/kW) or with adequate
incentives (carbon taxes or penalizations for polluting emissions, in absence of a strong
increase in the fuel costs), the hybrid SOFC + GT technology can reach an economic
advantage.
References
(14) Farooque, M., Kush, A., Leo, A., Maru, H., and Skok, A. (1998) 'Direct fuel cell
development and demonstration activities at energy research corporation', Fuel Cell
Seminar, Palm Springs.
(15) Torazza, A., Dufour, A., Perfumo, A., Gegundez, J., Sanson, F., and Moreno, A.
(1998) 'MOLCARE development towards commercial power plants based on 500 kW
standard modules', Power-Gen Europe '98, pp 317-331, Milan, Italy, June 1998.
(16) Hirschenhofer, J. H., Stauffer, D. B., Engleman, R. R., and Klett, M. G. (1998)
'Fuel cells Handbook (4th Ed.)', Parsons Co. for U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
(17) Day, M. J. (2000), 'Solid oxide fuel cells for power generation', 4th European SOFC
Forum, Lucem, July 2000.
(18) Massardo, A. F. and Lubelli, F. (1998) 'Internal reforming solid oxide fuel cell-gas
turbine combined cycles (IRSOFC-GT) - Part A: cell model and cycle thermodynamic
analysis', ASME paper 98-GT-577.
(19) Leeper, J. D., (1999) 'The hybrid cycle: integration of a fuel cell with a gas turbine',
ASME paper 99-GT-430.
(20) Stephenson, D. and Ritchey, I. (1997) 'Parametric study of fuel cell and gas turbine
combined cycle performance', ASME paper 97-GT-340.
(21) Lobachyov, K. and Richter, H. J. (1997), 'Addition of highly efficient bottoming
cycles for the Nth-generation molten carbonate fuel cell power plant', ASME Journal of
Energy Resources Technology, Vol. 119, pp 103-108, June 1997.
(22) Braun, R. J., Gaggioli, R. A., and Dun bar, W. R. (1999) 'Improvements of a molten
carbonate fuel cell power plant via exergy analysis', ASME Journal of Energy
Resources Technology, Vol. 121, pp 277-285, Dec. 1999.
(23) Massardo, A. F. and Bosio, B. (2000) 'Assessment of molten carbonate fuel cell
models and integration with gas and steam cycles', ASME paper 2000-GT-174.
(24) EPRI (1993) TR-102931, 'Nth generation 2 MW carbonate fuel cell power plant', Final
Report, Sept. 1993.
(25) De Biasi, V. (2001) 'DOE developing technology base for advanced microturbine
designs', Gas Turbine World, Pequot publishing, Vol. 31, No. 4, July 2001.
(26) Veyo, S. (2001) 'Solid oxide fuel cells: the Siemens-Westinghouse technology',
seminar 'Advanced technologies for distributed cogeneration', Politecnico di Milano,
April 2001.
(27) Bombarda, P. (2001) 'Survey of commercial absorption and electrical chiller units',
Technical report, Dept of Energetics, Politecnico di Milano (in Italian).
Abstract
The micro-turbine or small gas turbine potentially offers the user a wide range of benefits in
terms of operational and fuel flexibility, reliability, service performance, and maintainability
for small-scale, local power generation applications. In the UK where primary narrow fuel cost
ratios are the norm, it is likely that most micro-turbine-based installations will be configured to
utilize both the electrical and thermal energy [combined heat and power (CHP)].
To realize the full potential of the technology, it will be necessary to convince the generally
sceptical audience that either has experience of small-scale, reciprocating-based CHP or
knows of its pitfalls. Much of this audience has felt almost disenfranchised from the small
scale CHP market. The micro-turbine now offers a technology which will potentially re-dress
this balance.
As with all disruptive technologies, there are a number of issues that will need to be addressed
before the technology is widely accepted. Some of these issues, such as the political/economic
climate, the impact of climate change legislation, and NETA (new electricity trading
arrangements), are beyond the scope of this Chapter. In truth, many of the issues are not within
the direct control of the micro-turbine manufacturer, packer, or distributor. What concerns the
majority of these is the marketing of the technology: its performance, longevity, and
serviceability. All these are, to a greater or lesser extent, determined by the initial design,
quality of manufacture, and subsequent installation.
Each manufacturer or packager has to integrate all three sub-systems using sound pragmatic
engineering and robust software. The success of this will largely determine the viability of
their respective product range and in what is likely to be a highly competitive market place. It
is not the intention of this Chapter to implicitly compare product X with product Y, it is only
intended to highlight where some design decisions may impact on performance and
serviceability. Some of the integration sub-systems, such as:
will also have an impact on the through-life performance of the package and, therefore, needs
to be included in any design reliability study of micro-turbine-based systems.
Irrespectively, the micro-turbine for stationary and vehicular applications must be regarded as
a distant cousin, as the latest variants usually incorporate advances in inverter, recuperator,
and generator technologies and adopt different control philosophies to cater for their intended
operating environment. Mechanically, the micro-turbine is generally a single-shaft, gas turbine
with compressor, power turbine, and permanent magnet alternator being mounted on the same
shaft.
Generally, the micro-turbine incorporates centrifugal flow compressors, and radial inflow turbine.
From a design, performance, and durability point of view this makes good sense, as it ensures:
The comparatively low operating temperature of the turbine (usually less than
1000 "C/1832 °F) is very benign metallurgically. This allows the use of uncoated hot end
components, usually from wrought alloys, such as inconel or hastalloy, improving tolerances
and production costs, irrespective of the turbine geometry. The lack of exotic alloys with
thermal ageing properties, thermal barrier coatings, and other direct blade-cooling
requirements should ensure a uniform through life performance.
Compressor materials range from cast iron, aluminium, to stainless steel. Again most casting
and machining techniques ensure a precision component with high tolerances and good
through-life performance.
a copper-wound iron stator. This arrangement offers efficiencies of 92-93 per cent at 50 kW,
improving slightly as power output increases. Despite the cost penalty of Samarium cobalt
over neodymium, the former has improved power density (reduced core weight) and thermal
and magnetic stability.
The thermal efficiency of the simple cycle gas turbine (air standard cycle) increases with
increasing pressure ratio. Most micro-turbines operate at pressure ratios of between three to
five to one, which equates to a maximum theoretical thermal efficiency of between 27 and
37 per cent. Most micro-turbine manufacturers see maximizing the electrical generating
efficiency as a key performance criterion, thus most systems incorporate an integrated
recuperator. Excepting for purely simple cycle units for power or low quantity steam
production, even in systems where the ratio between electrical and thermal output is varied,
some form of recuperation is always employed.
The recuperator is normally metallic of a matrix or honeycomb-type construction. Normal
design constraints are the need for a cost-effective, high-thermal effectiveness ratio. Long-
term recuperator performance will be a function of fuel type and thermal cycling history.
Under normal operating conditions, engine start and stop procedures should be defined so as to
reduce the build up of high thermal stresses within the recuperator. Even in instances of rapid
engine shut down, there should be enough control/monitoring to ensure a minimization of
thermal excursions. Another feature that may improve recuperator life will be the allowable
thermal mechanical deformation due to creep/fatigue interactions. Experience suggests that
good through-life recuperator performance is more likely to be cost effective with an
integrated design where the mass flows and temperatures are carefully controlled. Good
maintenance-testing procedures will be important, particularly on engines that operate on fuels
other than natural gas.
70 Micro-turbine Generators
With low natural gas distribution pressures, cost-effective, gas fuel compression will be
necessary for the majority of UK applications. A range of internal and external units is being
proposed and marketed. Currently the rotary vane-type compressor is beginning to be
specified for a number of UK projects. The unit, derived from a standard air compressor, has
demonstrated a good performance and safety record. Other units, whether rotary flow or screw
devices, are still being evaluated.
The gas compressor was seen as the Achilles heel of the micro-turbine. This is, however, not
proving to be the case. The practical engineering of good basic designs, with reference to the
relevant codes of practice, are resulting in highly effective units, contributing significantly to
the viability of the micro-turbine technology. Good installation and maintenance should result
in long service lives, similar to those of a pure air compressor.
The heat recovery unit is normally a two-media device (water/exhaust product) that is either
integrated in to the micro-turbine package or forms a modular component of the system. In
general, they are designed to heat exchange from moderate exhaust temperatures of less than
400 °C, with moderate water side pressures (< 10 barg), and in most cases modulate the ratio
of thermal output. The heat exchanger is an important item for the majority of installations as
it has a significant impact on payback periods. Good installation and maintenance of water
quality should ensure high levels of through-life performance.
The control software, whether for the engine or power electronics, is powerful, but normally
incorporates conventional chip set architecture, running at normal clock speeds. Differing
manufacturers have differing control protocols although these are normally controlled by the
turbine capabilities. Some engines, such as the Elliot turbine, are fixed-speed units with
variable output power being controlled by the power conditioning electronics and engine
fuelling sub-systems. Others, such as the Capstone micro-turbine, are variable speed engines
which the power demand is controlled by engine speed. Both control philosophies, as such,
Design Reliability of Micro-turbines 71
present no long-term performance issues from a software point of view. However, there are
some issues over combustion stability when running a fixed-speed turbine part-load. Most
users have little interest in the control software but appreciate the comprehensive and
understandable user interface offered by the Capstone micro-turbine and some other
manufacturers. To fully realize the potential of the micro-turbine/CHP systems in the UK, it
will be necessary to demonstrate the climate change levy compliance. For integrated packages
such as the Bowman TG, Turbec T100 units, this should pose no real problem. For other
manufacturers and distributors who wish to retain the flexibility of the modular concept,
communication channels will need to be incorporated into the user front-end software. This
approach has the advantage that the software can incorporate user-determined profiles and
facilities.
The main feature of the micro-turbine is the integrated power electronics, which are utilized by
all the major manufacturers. As with the control software, the exact details of the power
conditioning modules are proprietary to each manufacturer, although, again, the basic
principles are usually similar, in that the high frequency AC signal from the generator is
rectified (DC Bus) and inverted to the required AC output. The manufacturers can or will offer
a range of output configurations, in direct or alternating current mode, both parallel with, and
stand-alone from, the utility supply. The durability of the power condition electronics will
depend upon:
• built quality;
• power densities and transients;
• reliability heat management of the electrical components.
At present, too little public domain information exists on the in-service issues with power-
conditioning electronics. It is expected that as build numbers increase, power electronics-
conditioning module quality will improve further. This, in parallel with the advances in solid
state electronics in areas such as matrix invertors and gallium based semi-conductors, will
ensure that the exact configuration of future power electronics conditioning is likely to change.
Whether these advances become available to the existing customer base is unclear although
the basic interface between the mechanical and electrical sub-systems will be similar, so
upgrade ability should be possible.
• fuel filtration;
• robust fuel metering;
• injector and ignitor performance.
Normally, the filtration and injectors will form part of the standard maintenance procedure.
The fuelling of the micro-turbine is normally by some form of PI (proportional/integral)
control loop which maintains either turbine exhaust temperature and/or speed. The operating
temperatures of the engine should ensure long-term combustor life under
72 Micro-turbine Generators
normal operating conditions. However, durability of the hot end components will depend upon
fuel quality and type and in any event should be part of the visual examination within the
normal maintenance schedule.
5.5 Summary
The basic micro-turbine is being promoted as offering a range of benefits for the user.
Whether these benefits are realized will be the result of good design and technical support of
the various products on offer. The MiniGen product utilizes the Capstone micro-turbine, as
this engine offers great flexibility with high levels of proven performance over a wide range of
operating conditions. The modularity of the MiniGen concept enables a wide diversity of
potential applications.
Abstract
The CANMET Energy Technology Centre (CETC) in Ottawa, Canada has been involved in
the development of micro-turbine technology over the last four years. CETC has identified
heat recovery systems and the use of low British Thermal Unit (BTU) fuels as two key areas
to be developed. This Chapter will review the experience to date of several field trials of
micro-turbines and associated heat recovery systems at installations in institutional buildings.
Some of these projects have been initiated by utilities interested in evaluating the equipment.
In Canada, the initial market for the technology has been the use of oil-field flare gas as fuel
with over 40 units in place in Alberta. An additional potential market would be the use of
landfill gas as a fuel at small or older landfill sites. The experience that CETC has gained with
a Honeywell 75 kW unit at an Ottawa landfill site will be reported on, as well as reliability
and O&M experience.
6.1 Introduction
Micro-turbines can be defined as small, recuperated, gas turbines in the range of 30—500 kW.
The initial commercial units are now available in the 30-100 kW size range with a second
generation of equipment being developed in the 200-400 kW size range. CETC is the
Canadian National Energy Laboratory and is located in Ottawa, Canada. It has been involved
with the testing of early versions of micro-turbine technology since 1998. CETC has a
mandate to support the development of technologies that have the potential to reduce
greenhouse-gas emissions when deployed in Canada and in other countries. Micro-turbines
have an electrical efficiency that is in the range of 22-30 per cent based on fuel LHV. CETC
has focused on developing heat recovery systems that could be used with the micro-turbines
74 Micro-turbine Generators
exhaust to increase system efficiency to 70 per cent1 or higher. CETC has also identified
electric and gas utilities as key partners to work with in evaluating the performance of this
technology. The transaction costs associated with the interconnection of small generating
units with the distribution system is also a key issue which will be touched on later in the
Chapter. Over the last two years, CETC has participated in the installation of three field
installations of micro-turbines. This Chapter will present the general experience that is being
accumulated with micro-turbine applications.
1
The efficiencies quoted in this report are based on higher heating value (HHV), which excludes the heat of
condensation of the water vapour in the combustion products. This is the common method of reporting the
efficiency of power generating units. Fuel is often reported on a HHV basis which, in the case of gas, is about 10
per cent greater than the LHV. When comparing the total system efficiency with boiler systems make such they
are compared on the same fuel basis.
2
In November 2001 following the failure of the Honeywell-GE merger, Honeywell Power Systems was closed
and the units were taken back by the supplier.
Field Experience with Micro-turbines in Canada 75
Fig. 6.7 Secure Power's installation of five Elliott Energy Systems 80 kW units
Fig. 6.8 Honeywell micro-turbine located at Trail Road Landfill Site, Ottawa
R Brandon
CANMET Energy Technology Centre, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, Canada
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7
Abstract
Notation
heat exchanger effectiveness
Rc compressor pressure ratio
TET turbine entry temperature (K)
nth cycle thermal efficiency
nisen,c, compressor isentropic efficiency
nisen,i turbine isentropic efficiency
86 Micro-turbine Generators
7.1 Introduction
Micro-turbine engines, generally considered to be in the size range 10-500 kW, have been in
development for over 50 years but until recently commercial applications were few and
mainly for low-volume niche markets. One major drawback was the high shaft speed of the
engine and limited speed range which made mechanical transmission difficult, in the
application of vehicle propulsion units, and drive of a synchronous generator unattractive.
Most engines did not go further than the R&D stage, hence research investment in micro-
turbine engines has been significantly less than on internal combustion engines. All of this has
changed with the development of efficient high-speed generators (HSGs) capable of taking
power directly from the shaft. There are now significant opportunities for innovative engine
and alternator designs although there are still many design problems which must be
overcome. In particular a thermal efficiency level of 40 per cent is widely seen as the barrier
which must be broken if MTGs are to compete against diesel technology and large-scale
power generators (1).
This Chapter describes the design options for the gas turbine engine and high-speed alternator
with a focus on the limitations which must be overcome in the design of these devices. Power
electronics issues are not addressed here although it must be stated that this subject is far from
trivial and has its own difficulties and opportunities for improvement. It is the availability of
low-cost power electronics which makes the use of high-speed alternators possible.
• A compressor.
• A combustion chamber and fuel control system.
• A turbine.
• A heat exchanger or recuperator.
• A bearing system.
Design Problems in Micro-turbine Generators 87
It is not possible to design any of these in isolation but rather the engine must be treated as a
system. However, the combustion chamber and the heat exchanger can be separated out to a
certain extent. These two subjects will not be covered in detail here but rather the focus is on
the engine core, the compressor, turbine, and bearings. Recuperator design issues will only be
addressed within a systems design context and no detail is given on detailed construction
options. The design issues for recuperators are covered in detail in reference (2).
The engine can be modelled as a system by means of thermodynamic analysis and this must
be the starting point. This analysis, denoted cycle analysis, can be used to predict the
performance of the engine in terms of efficiency and power output for a given mass flow rate.
It is possible to calculate these values as a function of the following major parameters.
The results of these calculations are given in Figs 7.1 and 7.2 for typical micro-turbine design
data based on the conservative performance parameters listed in Table 7.1.
Table 7.1 Values assumed for the cycle analysis parametric study
The beneficial effect of increasing turbine entry temperature (TET) is apparent from Fig. 7.2
for both specific power (wsp) and thermal efficiency (nth)- TET can be as high as 1600 K in a
large engine afforded by use of a highly complex cooling system. However, due to the small
size of blades in a micro-turbine, cooling is either impractical or basic, limiting TET to about
1200 K. Substantial research effort has been put into the development of ceramic materials in
order to overcome this limitation although so far, turbine rotors have not been produced which
can reliably resist brittle fracture. Problems with foreign object damage (FOD) mean that
thicker blading is required which in turn compromises aerodynamic performance (3).
Efficiencies of above 30 per cent, can be achieved with a modest TET using a high-
effectiveness heat exchanger (Fig. 7.1). This widely-adopted development route initially
88 Micro-turbine Generators
meant that a low Rc was acceptable and simple turbocharger-based systems became widely
available on the market with Rc of around 4:1. Unfortunately, Hxeff is not proportional to
recuperator volume, and for a primary surface recuperator, it has been shown that increasing
effectiveness from 87 to 95 per cent would mean increasing recuperator size by a factor of 2.8
(2). This represents an exorbitant increase in material costs and explains why the recuperator
alone typically accounts for around 25 per cent of total MTG system costs (4). Furthermore,
the need to run at ever-increasing temperatures has meant using exotic materials, further
increasing material costs (2). Using this development route, Fig. 7.1 shows how achieving 40
per cent efficiency has so far proved to be an illusive goal.
Fig. 7.1 Thermal efficiency (nth) versus specific power (wsp) for varying Rc and Hxeff
and constant TET
There are alternative development routes which do not hinge on the development of new,
expensive, or risky technology. A good understanding of the MTG system is essential. For
example, in order to make full use of recent developments in turbine materials (increasing
TET), Rc should be increased to its new optimum level as suggested in Fig. 7.1. It should be
noted that Rc for highest efficiency (nth,) does not coincide with Rc for highest specific power
(wsp) hence a compromise is always needed. Nevertheless, it is known that increasing wsp will
reduce recuperator size (2) and so there is a two-fold benefit of going to higher Rc. System
synergies such as this should be understood and fully explored. This is currently the focus of
R&D at Imperial College where cycle analysis and compressor design are brought together to
offer a new, low risk development route.
Design Problems in Micro-turbine Generators
Fig. 7.2 Cycle efficiency and specific power for varying TET and Rc and constant Tjeff
Ultimately, for a given Hxeffw& TET, the only way in which performance can be improved is
by increasing compressor and turbine isentropic efficiencies, T]ism.c and T/ise^,. The effect of the
latter on engine efficiency is plotted in Fig. 7.3 and is substantial. This then leads to a
consideration of the compressor, turbine, and shaft arrangements. Although the combustion
chamber is an extremely important element, it does not directly affect engine performance,
assuming high combustion efficiency, but rather levels of toxic emissions.
7.3 Compressor
In all but the larger sizes of MTGs, centrifugal or mixed-flow compressors are preferred to the
axial type on the grounds of efficiency and development cost. A typical example of such a
compressor is shown in Fig. 7.4. Pressure ratios of 4:1 are easily achievable in a single
aluminium alloy stage readily obtained from turbo charger technology. Going to higher Rc in a
single stage would require more expensive materials such as stainless steel or titanium. The
latter is not yet suitable for mass production and would lose out on high-volume economics. A
multi-stage centrifugal compressor (industrial style) could be used to avoid material issues but
this approach requires a thorough understanding of rotor dynamics issues. Also, inter-stage
passages lead to extra losses and added complexity.
In general, once the mass-flow rate and pressure ratio have been specified, shaft speed can
then be chosen. The choice of shaft speed dictates the cross sectional shape of the rotor which
ultimately dictates rotor efficiency. Essentially there is an ideal rotor speed for any given
specification and it is here that design difficulties become apparent. This speed can be
estimated initially by means of specific speeds and in essence, the lower the power output of
the MTG, the higher must be the shaft speed in order to obtain an efficient compressor. At
50 kW, the optimal compressor speed for 5:1 pressure ratio is around 100 000 r/min and
anything lower in power means even higher speeds. This has immediate implications for the
bearing and shaft system and the high-speed alternator. Given that high-speed alternators are
currently unable to operate at such speeds and powers, the two main solutions are:
7.4 Turbine
Turbine design in an MTG imposes a number of challenges which make the selection of the
component type rather dependent on the overall layout of the machine. It is clear from the
previous sections that a very high speed of rotation may be expected on the gas generator
turbine to provide acceptable levels of power; this requirement is somehow relaxed if a power
turbine is introduced. A two stage turbine design allows a different shaft speed and thus a
lower and more acceptable angular velocity can be imposed on the power turbine. The choice
of type of turbine can be axial, radial, or mixed flow. Axial turbines at very small sizes have
not been investigated in great detail, particularly in respect to reliable experimental data. A
challenging research program is underway at Imperial College to address this issue, but
problems in detailed measurements and validation with CFD are foreseen. Radial turbines
have generally been used for the small sizes of MTG and have the advantage that a single
stage can accept a high-pressure ratio. However, both radial and axial tip clearances must be
controlled leading to mechanical design difficulties. The advantage of a mixed flow turbine is
that it is capable of handling a higher mass flow rate for the same expansion ratio, and it is
more compact than the equivalent radial, the inclusion of well designed nozzles to this
machine will lead to an improved efficiency characteristic.
Recent work on a 3:1 pressure ratio small (70 mm diameter) turbine (5) shown in Fig. 7.5 has
demonstrated the difficulties of measuring accurately the flow velocities at high speeds of
rotation (60 kr/min). Some results obtained from these measurements are shown in Fig. 7.6.
The influence of tip leakage flow on the flow is very significant and should be minimized by
tight clearances and tight fit bearings. Comparisons with CFD have been performed and good
agreement in circumferentially average quantities demonstrated; equivalent comparisons for
blade to blade velocities measured using a gated technique show significant discrepancies.
92 Micro-turbine Generators
Fig.7.5 The mixed flow turbine on test using LDA and with cross section geometry (left)
Fig. 7.6 Contours of deviation angle based on gated LDA measurements for 50 per cent
(left) and 70 per cent design speed (right)
Finally, it is clear that at these small sizes the turbine would be uncooled, so the maximum
turbine entry temperature is limited. An interesting and challenging problem would be the
design of a small radial/mixed-flow turbine with cooling. This is possible in this type of
machine as there is more room in the base of the blades; cooling a small axial blade would be
out of the question.
Design Problems in Micro-turbine Generators 93
7.5 Bearings
The choice of bearings can be divided into the following categories listed in increasing
complexity of technology:
• oil film;
• high-speed rolling element;
• gas film;
• magnetic.
The first two are used exclusively for large gas turbine engines and in all known cases, the
alternator is mounted on separate bearings and driven via a gearbox unless the engine size is
large.
Oil film bearings have been applied to MTGs and have the benefit of long life if the lubricant
is clean and they also exhibit good damping characteristics. However, the shaft must have a
low diameter and large clearances if losses are to be acceptable. A large oil system must be
used with cooling and oil leakage must be taken care of.
Rolling element technology has developed dramatically in recent years mainly for the
machine tool industry. Large diameter bearings can operate at high speeds using ceramic
hybrid technology and costs are not high. Typical rolling element bearing types are shown in
Fig. 7.7. However, what is needed are high-speed bearings more suited to gas turbines such as
cylindrical roller bearings (g) and double acting thrust bearings (a) and (c) which are
commonly used in large gas turbines. These will probably come when the market for MTGs is
firmly established.
Typically only angular contact bearings (b) and (e) are available and these either need to be
used in a back to back configuration which reduces speed capability or need to be spring
loaded, which is not ideal. Oil seals are still required and an oil system must be provided
which is a disadvantage. Arduous temperatures normally preclude the use of grease-packed
bearings, an alternative to oil lubrication.
Air bearings have been developed specifically for MTG application with much of the
technology being a spin off from aerospace applications such as auxiliary power units (APUs)
and air cycle machines. The favourite technology appears to be self activated foil bearings and
these exhibit good damping characteristics. A typical foil bearing is shown in Fig. 7.8.
There are other types which may be suitable but damping is a major issue which must be
addressed and clearances must be reasonably high to cope with thermal growth and
distortions. The great advantage of air bearings is the elimination of the oil system saving cost
and increasing reliability.
Magnetic bearings offer many of the advantages of air bearings although cost is a major
barrier. The bearings can be electromagnetic requiring active control or passive using
permanent magnets. At least one axis of the bearings must be actively controlled for reasons
of stability.
In the option (b), it is possible to operate both engine and alternator shafts below the first
bending critical speed which is desirable if high-speed balancing is to be avoided. A half way
house option is to use three journal bearings and a semi-rigid coupling. The ultimate in low
cost and simplicity is the integrated system but this can lead to rotor dynamic problems and
sacrifices which ultimately cost efficiency.
If the gas turbine engine has a free power turbine [Fig. 7.9(c)] then a shaft is already available
on to which the alternator can be mounted. Separating the alternator from the gas turbine,
which already has a free power turbine, would lead to a three-shaft system which is not
desirable for reasons of cost.
Both types employ high-strength, rare earth magnets for rotor excitation and can be used in
reverse for engine starting. Radial flux machines have a longer history of development since
this topology is used in conventional generators to a much greater extent than the axial type.
Much of the standard manufacturing 'know how' can be adapted for such machines hence this
has been the most popular choice to date. However, high centrifugal stresses force down
diameter and shaft length leading to a machine which must be, by nature, highly compact.
Since the machine inevitably has losses which are manifested as heating, this leads to very
high heat densities. This problem is compounded by the fact that the magnets and insulating
materials can not take high temperatures and the resistance of the copper windings increases
with temperature. These arduous conditions make the axial flux machine attractive since it has
a much higher surface area from which heat can be extracted. This is borne out by the very
high power densities now achieved in axial flux machines with simple air-cooling.
7.8 Conclusions
This Chapter has highlighted many of the design difficulties associated with micro-turbine
generators. There are many subjects and technologies which need to be addressed in the
design stage and all need to be considered for an optimized solution to be realized. This
creates an exciting challenge for engineers to solve and the demand and market for micro-
turbine generators is certainly there for those companies which succeed.
References
(1) Hamilton, S. L. Micro-turbine Generators (MTGs) The Next Generation, Southern
California Edison, MTG seminar IMechE, Dec 2000.
(2) McDonald, C. F. Low-cost primary surface recuperator concept for micro-turbines,
Applied Thermal Engineering Vol 20, Issue 5, 1st April 2000.
(3) Rodgers, C. and McDonald, C. Automotive Turbogenerator Design Options, IMechE
C529/024/98.
(4) Micro-turbines: Applications and opportunities - Escovale Consultancy Services,
Report No 5050, PR/25/01, July 2001.
(5) Karamanis, N. K., Martinez-Botas, R. F., and Su, C. C. 'Mixed Flow Turbines: Inlet
and Exit Flow under Steady and Pulsating Conditions', Trans. ASME, Journal of
Turbomachinery, {\bf 123}, pp. 359-371, (2001).
(6) Pullen, K. R. The design and development of a small gas turbine and high-speed
generator - PhD Thesis and DIG, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial
College, 1991.
Abstract
A brief review is given on the nature of tip-leakage flow in radial inflow turbines. A
comparison is made of tip-leakage loss in a single-stage radial turbine and a two-stage axial
turbine. A simple tip-leakage loss model, based on physical insight, is applied to both types of
turbine for a given duty that is typical of micro-turbine generators. For the axial turbine a loss
model from the literature is applied based on discharge co-efficients in the tip gap. For the
radial turbine the same model is adapted to account for the scraping effect, which can
dominate the tip-leakage flow in parts of this type of turbine. The discharge co-efficients,
which govern the amount of leakage flow and therefore the loss, are determined from
experiment. The comparison of the models shows that the scraping effect can reduce the tip-
leakage loss for a radial turbine by up to a factor of four compared with an axial turbine for
the same duty.
Nomenclature
Subscripts
3 rotor inlet
n blade normal
p passage
tf pressure driven tip-leakage flow
sf scraping flow
ss suction surface
ps pressure surface
8.1 Introduction
The operation of unshrouded steam and gas turbines requires a clearance between the rotating
blades and the stationary casing. This gap gives rise to leakage flow that is driven through the
clearance gap by the pressure difference between the pressure side and the suction side of the
blades. The leakage flow is largely unturned by the blades, so no work is done on this flow. The
leakage flow exits the tip gap with a magnitude of velocity similar to that of the mainstream
flow relative to the rotor, but in a direction almost perpendicular to the mainstream flow. The
mixing of the mainstream and tip-leakage flows gives rise to the loss of efficiency.
It is possible to change the effect of tip clearance by mounting a shroud on the tip of the
blade. In a shrouded rotor, the driving force of leakage through the seals is the pressure
difference between rotor inlet and rotor exit as opposed to the pressure difference between the
pressure and suction surfaces of the blade. Fitting a shroud to a rotating blade usually
increases the aerodynamic efficiency of the rotor. It may also facilitate the active control of
the tip gap, as the blade height varies with the expansion caused by temperature changes in
the turbine. However, the mass of the shroud also requires the rotor to rotate at a lower speed.
For a given expansion rate, therefore, the shrouded turbine results in less work output per
stage than the unshrouded turbine, because, for a given stage loading co-efficient, the specific
work is proportional to the square of the blade speed. In radial turbines, a shroud also
increases the complexity of manufacture of the rotor wheel.
Hill (1) investigated three candidates for a gas generator turbine. These are a two-stage axial, a
single-stage axial, and a single-stage radial turbine. In his analysis, Hill assumed that the stage
efficiency is a function of turbine loading alone. If optimal flow co-efficients are used, this is
indeed correct according to the Smith Chart (2). In order to calculate the aerodynamic efficiency,
Hill made further assumptions about the blade speed and allowable metal temperature based on
Tip-leakage Flow: a Comparison between Axial and Radial Turbines 99
current design practice. Figure 8.1 shows the improvement in efficiency and specific fuel
consumption compared to the datum case, which was selected based on current designs.
The assumptions underlying the analysis are summarized in the following table.
Table 8.1
The tip speed for a radial turbine is significantly higher than that for an equivalent axial
turbine. Work is absorbed in the radial turbine due to the change in radius of the flow. The
relative stagnation temperature decreases with radius because Euler's work equation states
that the relative stagnation enthalpy, minus one half of the square of the blade speed, is
constant in an adiabatic turbine. The stage loading co-efficient (Aho/U2) is lower for the radial
turbine, but the higher rotational speed enables larger work than is obtained in a single-stage
axial turbine. The lower stage loading co-efficient and the change of radius in the radial
turbine will be shown to reduce the overall tip clearance losses in this type of turbomachine.
100 Micro-turbine Generators
Figure 8.1 shows that the two-stage axial and the single-stage radial turbine have the potential
for a significant improvement in efficiency and specific fuel consumption for the given
technology assumptions. The radial turbine is a good match to the two-stage axial turbine as it
is operating at an optimum loading and requires lower cooling flows. The single-stage axial
turbine is operating at too high a loading and is not competitive with the two other machines.
Many factors go into the choice of the wheel type for a given application. The brief analysis
by Hill (1) has shown that a single-stage radial turbine has to be compared with a two-stage
axial turbine. The chosen wheel type and the method of manufacture have many implications
on the product quality, the manufacturing cycle time, and the final cost. A single stage radial
turbine has fewer parts than a two-stage axial turbine and is usually more robust. Figure 8.2.
shows, for example, how different manufacturing methods affect the designer's choice of the
maximum tip speed of a radial turbine. All these factors will also play a role in the final cost
of the product. The manufacturing costs of a closed wheel that is milled from solid are, for
example, three times higher than those of an open wheel that is milled from solid, hi the
following, this Chapter concentrates on the open wheel type. This may be investment cast or
milled from solid.
The mixing of the tip-leakage flow inside the gap and with the mainstream at the gap exit
creates entropy (loss). This loss contributes up to a third of the loss of efficiency in a turbine.
Tip-leakage Flow: a Comparison between Axial and Radial Turbines 101
Typically, a clearance gap equal to one per cent of the blade height is associated with a two or
more per cent loss of stage efficiency in an unshrouded, axial turbine [see Sjolander (3) for a
brief but complete overview of the available literature on this subject]. The penalty of a one
per cent clearance as a percentage of the blade height in unshrouded radial turbines is about
one per cent of stage efficiency [see Japikse and Baines (4) and Futral and Holeski (5)]. A
typical tip clearance in a medium-size turbine is about one to two per cent of the span.
Tip-leakage flow in radial turbines appears to be driven by two main mechanisms (6), (7), (8).
The first mechanism is created by the pressure difference across the rotor tip, the second by
the motion of the casing relative to the blade. The degree of interaction between these two
mechanisms determines the nature of the flow in the gap region of a radial turbine.
The results of measurements in the tip gap region have shown three regions of tip-leakage flow
behaviour in a radial turbine, as schematically indicated in Fig. 8.3 (8). In the inducer region
(labelled I), the nature of tip-leakage flow is very different from that of axial turbines. The weak
pressure difference over the tip of the inducer supports only a small amount of tip-leakage flow.
Fluid adjacent to the casing is dragged by the strong relative casing motion (the 'scraping' flow)
and opposes the tip-leakage flow on the suction side. A part of this scraping fluid is dragged
through the gap to the pressure side of the blade (dragging effect). This dragging effect, due the
scraping flow, can dominate the flow inside the tip gap. It is also observed that the change of
momentum of the scraping flow supports a tangential pressure gradient.
In the midsection (labelled II), the relative casing motion is weakened and the loading near
the casing increases. A strong tip-leakage flow, driven by the difference in pressure between
the pressure and suction sides of the blade, accelerates into the gap and travels through the
gap almost perpendicular to the blade camberline. As a consequence of the increased
momentum of the tip-leakage jet, most of the scraping fluid is prevented from moving in a
circumferential direction near the suction side of the blade and is re-directed towards the hub
(this has been termed the 'blocking effect'). This blocking effect causes a static pressure rise
on the suction side of the blade. The part of scraping fluid that is still dragged into the gap is
diverted, and little or no scraping flow exits the gap on the pressure side.
In the exducer (labelled III), the influence of the relative casing motion upon the tip-leakage
flow is negligible. The blocking effect takes place further away from the suction side and no
scraping fluid is dragged through the gap. The tip-leakage flow behaviour in the exducer is
very similar to that in axial turbines.
Figure 8.4 shows secondary velocity vectors at 9 per cent Sm and at 58 per cent Sm
for t = 1.2 per cent of span. The figure demonstrates that computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
(9) is able to resolve the local features of scraping flow in the gap region. Fig. 8.4(a) shows
that a small amount of tip-leakage flow is turned immediately towards the hub, as it leaves the
tip gap on the suction side. One part of the scraping flow is dragged into the gap by the
dragging effect. The other part is scraped off the blade and deviated towards the hub and part
of the fluid is seen to roll up near the suction side. Figure 8.4(b) displays that the CFD results
capture a distinct blocking effect due to the scraping effect at the gap exit. It seems apparent
that, as a result of the blocking effect, the tip-leakage flow turns sharply towards the hub.
Fig. 8.4 Predicted secondary velocity vectors in the relative frame for a square tip CFD
model of a radial turbine
Tip-leakage Flow: a Comparison between Axial and Radial Turbines 103
where mtf is the pressure, driven, tip-leakage mass flow and vss and VPS are the undisturbed
components of the blade parallel velocity on either side of the blade sufficiently far away
from the tip gap. The term Aha is the work done on the blade row per unit mass flowing.
Equation 8.1 assumes that the streamwise momentum of the tip-leakage flow remains
unchanged on its way to the suction side.
where it is assumed that the leakage flow (velocity = vn) exits the gap normal to the pressure
surface. The term t is the clearance between the blade tip and the casing and / is the
camberline length. The result of equation 8. 2 was inserted into equation 8.1.
104 Micro-turbine Generators
For axial turbines, the discharge co-efficient defined by Heyes and Hodson (12) was used.
They assumed that partial mixing of the tip-leakage jet after the vena contracta occurs
between 1.5 t and 6 t of the blade width inside the tip gap. Heyes and Hodson introduced a
partial mixing factor M defined as the fraction of tip gap mass flow rate that mixes inside the
gap. Assuming a linear variation of the partial mixing inside the gap with /I, where A is the tip
gap height to width ratio (t/w), M takes the following values.
Using M and the contraction co-efficient crat the vena contracta, the momentum equation in
the blade normal direction for the case of tip-leakage flow without casing rotation yields the
discharge co-efficient as follows
McGreehan and Schotsch (13) presented an empirical technique for calculating the
contraction co-efficient, a, based upon the Reynolds number and the ratio of the pressure side
corner radius, r, at the blade tip divided by the local gap height, t. For the present work the
same values were taken for the axial turbine as measured on the test rig of the radial turbine.
Those were r/t = 0.2 for gap AO, r/t = 0.1 for gap BO, and r/t for gap B8 (8). Gap AO
corresponds to a gap of 0.6 per cent of span, gap BO to a gap of 1.2 per cent of span, and gap
Tip-leakage Flow: a Comparison between Axial and Radial Turbines 105
B8 to an average value of 2.5 per cent of span. The above technique was applied and the
contraction co-efficient crwas used in equation 8.3 to obtain the discharge co-efficient CD-
For the radial turbine the discharge co-efficient CD was approximated from experimentally
determined discharge co-efficients measured by Dambach (8). The above method was not
used as the flow mechanisms occurring near the leading edge of the radial turbine differ from
those in the axial turbine. The measurements together with the approximations are shown in
Fig. 8.6. The discharge co-efficient is defined as the ratio of the actual pressure driven mass
flow at the gap exit divided by the ideal tip gap mass flow as follows
where z = 0 is at the blade tip surface and z = z0 is the height where the blade normal velocity
is equal to zero.
Fig. 8.6 Measured and approximated discharge co-efficients in a radial turbine for
different gap heights (AO is 0.6 per cent gap/span, BO is 1.2 per cent gap/span,
and B8 is on average approximately 2.5 per cent gap/span)
Figure 8.7 shows the tip-leakage loss co-efficient for a single-stage radial turbine and a
two-stage axial turbine based on equation 8.1. Both turbines were designed with a mean-line
analysis for a given pressure ratio of 2.5 and inlet temperature of 1500 K. The generated
power of 200 kW is typical for micro-turbine applications. Figure 8.7 shows that the effect of
scraping significantly reduces the tip-leakage loss in a radial turbine. For small clearances in
the radial turbine the model indicates slightly more than one per cent decrease of efficiency
for a one per cent clearance height per span, which corresponds to experimental findings
106 Micro-turbine Generators
documented in the literature (10, 5).The low value of CD near the leading edge of the radial
turbine, caused by the scraping effect, and the results from the model explain the results
obtained by Futral and Holeski, (5). By independently changing the axial and radial
clearances in a radial turbine Futral and Holeski observed that the loss of efficiency due to
radial clearance in the exducer was approximately ten times greater than the loss of efficiency
due to axial clearance near the inlet.
Fig. 8.7 Comparison of tip-leakage loss between a single stage radial turbine and
a two-stage axial turbine (inlet total temperature = 1500 K, pressure ratio = 2.5,
mass flow = 0.5 kg/s)
For small clearances in the axial turbine the model indicates about a two and a half per cent
loss of efficiency for a one per cent clearance height per span, which also corresponds to
values found in the literature (3). Both axial stages together account for a loss of efficiency of
nearly five per cent for a one per cent clearance height per span.
8.6 Conclusion
This Chapter has shown how a tip-leakage loss model for axial turbines (12) can be applied to
radial turbines. In order to model the nature of tip-leakage flow in radial turbines, the scraping
effect is taken into account via an experimentally determined discharge co-efficient. The
result of the analysis shows that a radial turbine suffers less from tip-leakage flow than an
axial turbine, as observed in the literature. For a given duty in the range of micro-turbine
generators the model shows that tip-leakage loss for an axial flow turbine can be about four
times greater than for a radial turbine operating with typical clearances. The scraping effect in
the inducer region of a radial turbine can accentuate this difference for small clearances.
Tip-leakage Flow: a Comparison between Axial and Radial Turbines 107
References
(1) Hill, S. 1988, 'Radial Inflow Turbine Investigations', Brochure B1D1-13L, Rolls Royce
Technical Note LTN01474.
(2) Smith, S. F. 1965, 'A Simple Correlation for Turbine Efficiency', Jnl Royal
Aeronautical Society, Vol. 69, p 467.
(3) Sjolander, S. A. 1997, 'Overview of Tip-Clearance Effects in Axial Turbines', VKI
Lecture Series 1997-01 on Secondary and Tip-Clearance Flows in Axial Turbines.
(4) Japikse, D. and Baines, N. C. 1994, 'Introduction to Turbomachinery', ISBN 0 933283
06 7, Concepts ETI, Inc., Vermont, p 7-17.
(5) Futral, S. M. and Holeski, D. E. 1970, 'Experimental Results of Varying the Blade
Shroud Clearance in a 6.02 inch Radial Inflow Turbine', NASA TN D-5513.
(6) Dambach, R. Hudson, H. P., and Huntsman, I. 1998, 'An Experimental Study of Tip
Clearance Flow in a Radial Inflow Turbine', ASME Journal of Turbomachinery, Vol.
121, No 4, pp 644-650.
(7) Dambach, R. and Hodson, H. P. 1999, 'Tip-leakage Flow in a Radial Inflow Turbine
with Varying Gap Height', IS ABE 99-7192, 14th International Symposium on
Airbreathing Engines, Florence, Italy.
(8) Dambach, R. 1999, 'Tip-leakage Flow in a Radial Inflow Turbine', Dissertation
submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Cambridge University Engineering
Department.
(9) Denton, J. D. 1990, 'The Calculation of Three Dimensional Viscous Flow Through
Multistage Turbomachinery', ASME 90-GT-19.
(10) Baines, N. C. 1998, 'A Meanline Prediction Method for Radial Turbine Efficiency', 6th
International Conference on Turbocharging and Air Management Systems, IMechE
Conference Transactions, C554/008/98.
(11) Denton, J. D. 1993, 'Loss Mechanisms in Turbomachines', the 1993 IGTI Scholar
Lecture, ASME Journal of Turbomachinery, Vol. 115, pp 621-656.
(12) Heyes, F. J. G. and Hodson, H. P. 1993, 'The Measurement and Prediction of the Tip
Clearance Flow in Linear Turbine Cascades', ASME Journal of Turbomachinery,
Vol. 115, pp 376-382.
(13) McGreehan, W. F. and Schotsch, M. J. 1988, 'Flow Characteristics of Long Orifices
with Rotation and Corner Radiusing', ASME Journal of Turbomachinery, Vol. 110,
pp 13-217.
R Dambach
Cryostar France SA (Member of the BOC Group), Hesingue, France
H P Hodson and I Huntsman
Whittle Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England
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Index
Air bearing 5 Magnetic bearings 5
Automotive turbocharger 4 Micro-turbine engines 2
Market 23, 27
Bearings, 69, 93 drivers 32
air 5 forecast 30
magnetic 5 Europe 27
system 4 Mechanical sub-system 68
Case studies 35
New Electricity Trading Arrangement
Catalytic combustion 5
CHP system 78 (NETA) 27
New entrant 34
Carbon monoxide (CO) 77
NOx emissions 77
Combined heat and power 78
Cogeneration 17,45 Operating temperature 68
Compressor 68, 89, 90
pressure ratio 87 Performance 22
Customers 31 data 74
Permanent magnet rotor 2
Economic analysis 63 Power conditioners 3, 11
Electrical sub-system 70 Power-to-weight ratio 38
Emissions 38, 77 Purchase price 38
data 77
NOx 77 Radial inflow turbine 101
performance 77 Recuperators 3, 8, 69
End users 31 Reliability 38,67
Engine management 13 Running costs 38
Environmental issues 24
European: Second-law analysis 53
markets 27,32 Shaft layouts 94
micro-turbine market 28 Sound levels 38
EU players 33 Specific power 87
Footprint 38 Test results 22
Fuel: Thermal efficiency 69, 87
efficiency 38 Tip leakage 91
flexibility 18,24 flow 97, 100
sub-system 71 loss 103
Tri-generation 43, 46
Gas: plant 54
boost compressors 4, 14 Turbine 91
compressor 70 entry temperature 87
Generator configuration 68
isentropic efficiencies 89
Heat: Turbo alternators 2, 5
exchanger effectiveness 87
Unity output 31
recovery systems 75
recovery unit 70 Utility mode operation 12
US Department of Energy 21
High-temperature fuel cell 48
High-speed alternators 95 Wheel manufacture 100
Hybrid cycle 43, 46,48
Integration to the grid 24
Island mode operation 11
Landfill gas 82
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Air Engines
By T Finkelstein and A J Organ
Air Engines is a comprehensively illustrated, self-contained and
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'regenerator problem'; two decades of optimism; thermodynamic design;
completing the picture; appendix to chapter 11; by intuition, or by design?; ...and
the heyday to come; in praise of Robert Stirling; literary output of Theodor
Finkelstein; references.
1 86058 338 5 234x156mm
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IMechE Engineers' Data Book
- Second Edition
By Clifford Matthews
This new edition of the Data Book has been completely revised
and expanded. It has now increased significantly in content (by
approximately 30 percent compared to the first edition), and
many sections have been extended. There is a more general
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